Learning and Teaching 

Mathematics

Learning skills and strategies in Mathematics is more than just recalling facts. It is vital that students develop reasoning, problem solving, understanding and fluency when approaching school and real world maths. These elements are referred to as the Four Proficiencies in Mathematics. Each fortnight we will highlight one of these elements and showcase how you can use these at home.

This week: Fluency.

Fluency describes students developing skills in choosing appropriate procedures, carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently and appropriately, and recalling factual knowledge and concepts readily. Students are fluent when they:

• make reasonable estimates
• calculate answers efficiently
• recognise robust ways of answering questions
• choose appropriate methods and approximations
• recall definitions and regularly use facts,
• can manipulate expressions and equations to find solutions.

The Victorian curriculum has a website that families can access for support and ideas to help your child with their learning at home 

1,2,3,4 Numeracy guide for families

Literacy - what’s trending…..

Factual Texts 

Don’t forget about non-fiction! Though many kids enjoy a good princess or dragon story, others will prefer non-fiction (factual) books.  This week try a book or magazine about your child’s favorite animal, or learn about space or strange weather events. Whatever your child is into, and whatever their reading level, there’s a non-fiction book for them.

Lion’s Public Speaking 

Congratulations to Zarah Mendoza for being awarded first place in the Regional Lions Junior Public Speaking competition on the weekend. Such an incredible effort. 

Vision & Graduate Outcomes

Students who graduate from St Mary’s aim to demonstrate these qualities in all that they do. We regularly discuss these words as part of our positive behaviour focus.