Learning & 

Teaching

Building Blocks of Mathematics

Understanding in Mathematics is something that slowly develops over time, with students following a continuum that builds skills throughout a child's primary years. Research has shown that it is essential for students to embed foundational skills as they move through their learning to ensure the development of strong number sense. Number sense is defined as flexible thinking and intuition about number. In order for students to develop deep understanding of many math concepts, flexible and fluent thinking with numbers is necessary. 

At St Joseph's we have developed a Brick wall continuum of all the foundational skills needed in Counting, Addition & Subtraction, and Multiplication & Division. These skills are based on current research and have been created with the support of Catholic Education Maths Coaches. In class students are practising the skills on their brick wall everyday and learning to set goals to move through each brick. 

While they may move through some skills faster it is important to embed each skill so their foundations are strong. Over the next few weeks we will share each wall for you to explore at home. This week we are exploring the Counting Brick Wall, ask your child which skill they are working on and how they can get to their next brick. 

Parents were able to see our bricks in action at our 123 Community Family Fun Friday last week, where they were invited along to practise the skills students have been learning in class. If you would like to support your child at home, talk to your classroom teacher to learn about which skills your child needs and how you can practise these or click below tovisit your child’s Home Learning Page where teachers have added ideas for practising at home.

For home learning ideas, please click on the link below to visit your child’s Home Learning Page. 

Click on the links below to go straight to your child's Home Learning Community page.