Hello from Maths

What’s Happening In The World Of Maths At LPS

I’d like to take this opportunity to update our Langwarrin Community with some of the changes to our mathematic programs and supports for 2025.  Some of the initiatives we have been working hard to develop and implement are extra support sessions for our students, retrieval practices into our lessons and new online programs to support our students' mental arithmetic. 

Extra Support for our Students

We are in the early stages of running mathematical support session for some of our students.  We have a dedicated team of experienced teachers, with whom I am working closely with to develop a program that will identify any gaps in learning and provide early exposure to mathematical concepts prior to them being taught in the classroom.  These groups of students participating in our extra support sessions may change as we conduct reviews and assessments throughout the year.

Retrieval Practices

We have committed to using the New Wave Mental Maths books to support our retrieval practices from Yrs 2 – 6.  Our Prep and 1 students will be introduced to retrieval a little later in the year through slides and whiteboards.  Regular retrieval is aimed at preventing students from ‘forgetting’ learning and keeping concepts at the front of their mind.  Perhaps it is best explained from the website https://www.retrievalpractice.org/

“Retrieval practice boosts learning by pulling information out of students’ heads, rather than cramming information into students’ heads. Just like students practice an instrument, they need to practice their knowledge, too.”

Timestable RockStars & Numbots

Number sense, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division underpin mathematics and we have been looking for some engaging programs to assist our students in developing these skills.  We have recently subscribed to Timestable Rockstars (Multiplication and Division focus) and Numbots (Number Sense, Addition and Substraction focus).  Those students who have traliled the programs have shared some pretty positive feedback. Our students are able to access these programs at home as well.  As we ramp up our usage of these programs and start to introduce some Timestable Battles: Teachers vs Students, we look forward to seeing the positive impact on our students' engagement and achievements.

Pi Day – Grade 3 Math Rotations

On the 3rd month, 14th day of each year, International Pi Day is held.  To celebrate one of, “The greatest days that comes around every year”, as quoted by Mr Jellie, many of our classes held special maths lessons.

Below are a couple of photos of our Year 3 Mathematicians learning about symmetry and forming 3D shapes.  The kids had a great day, participating in 4 different maths exploration sessions throughout the day.