Mathematics
Mathematics in the Classroom
In the Year 3/4 classes this term, students have been learning about Addition and Subtraction. Working both independently and in groups, students are provided with opportunities to challenge themselves and use a variety of strategies to solve addition and subtraction problems. These strategies include; the jump strategy, split strategy, regrou[ping and the traditional algorithm with and without carrying and borrowing. It has been great to see so much learning happening in the classrooms so far this term!
Number Talks and why we use them
In the learning spaces at school, teachers encourage Mathematics talk by providing students with opportunities to share any strategies they use to solve problems and encourage all students to have a go, we don't always have to be right. Mistakes help us learn! Teachers model solving problems and talking through their methods, identifying mistakes and seeking help from others.
When your child is working on Mathematics at home, ask them what they are thinking, talking about their ideas and how they reach solutions helps children learn to reason mathematically.
An important part of learning Mathematics is learning how to solve problems. Children are encouraged to use trial and error to develop their ability to reason and to learn how to go about problem solving. They learn that there may be more than one way to solve a problem and more than one answer.
It is important for Mathematics to be modelled both at school and at home. Children learn when they:
* See and hear parents and family members talking about using mathematics to solve everyday problems e.g. measure while cooking, calculate costs while shopping, play games such as Snakes and Ladders, Monopoly
* Hear people explain what they are doing and why
* Can ask a parent, brother or sister for help when calculating, counting or measuring
* Explain how they reached their solutions
* Explain their thinking when they are working on solving a problem
Melanie Norton
Mathematics Leader