Mathematics
In our last newsletter we included Esty-Mysteries (problem solving activities) for Foundation, Levels 1 and 2 and Levels 3 and above. Feedback from families was that they were a fun and engaging activity to do at home. Based on your feedback, we are including more Esty-Mysteries for you to try at home with you children. Good luck and have fun! We hear it may get a little competitive.
FUN FACT #1: A baseball diamond is a perfect rhombus. A rhombus is a parallelogram with opposite equal angles, opposite equal obtuse angles and four equal sides.
FUN FACT #2: 70% of the earth’s surface is covered in water. However, only 3% of the earth’s water is freshwater and two-thirds of freshwater is frozen in ice sheets and glaciers. The other third is found in lakes, rivers and underground.
‘Esty-Mysteries’ have been designed by Steve Wyborney, an incredible Mathematics Educator from the US. He has created the Esty-Mystery problem solving game to extend students’ mathematical thinking and estimation skills. Below is one you can try with your child at home and hopefully be inspired and amazed by their mathematical skills and language! To view more Esty-Mysteries please visit:
Steve Wyborney shows how one image can be used for students across levels to apply their problem-solving skills to estimate the number of cherries in a jar. The clues provided change depending on year levels and provide students with the opportunity to investigate, hypothesize, problem-solve, justify and reason; skills that are not only critical in Mathematics learning but also in everyday life. Enjoy estimating the answers with your child! There may be more than one solution!
Foundation Students – “Plaid Beads”
Levels 1 and 2 – “The hidden die your chart will turn plaid”
Levels 3 to 8: “That’s the difference”
In addition to including more Mathematics problem solving activities that the whole family can enjoy, other topics we will cover in 2022 are:
- Growth Mindset in Mathematics
- How to help you child if they are experiencing ‘Maths Anxiety’
- Exploring Mathematics using concrete materials
- Dice games and card games
- Connecting Literacy and Numeracy via picture story books
If you would like to learn more about something specific in Mathematics, please email the office at rangeview.ps@education.vic.gov.au with ‘Attention: Vicki and Lee’ in the subject line and we will respond to you directly.
Best wishes,
Lee Giddings and Vicki Tzimos