Mathematical competency is a key life skill and is therefore integrated into daily teaching and learning at Hall Meadow. We enable children to develop their understanding of Calculation, Number, Shape and Space and Measures through real-life experiences and problem solving as well as teaching the skills discretely, in order to ensure full comprehension.
The foundation for children's mathematical development is established in the earliest years. Mathematics learning builds on the curiosity and enthusiasm of children and grows naturally from their experiences. During the Foundation Phase and Key Stage 1, children develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of maths through oral, practical, and play activities. They enjoy using and applying mathematics in practical tasks, in real-life problems and within mathematics itself. They use a variety of ICT resources as tools for exploring number, for obtaining real-life data and for presenting their findings.
Moving into Key Stage 2, the children build upon their prior learning, moving onto higher level problem solving where they are required to apply their understanding of Calculation, Number, Shape and Space and Measures to relevant real life situations. We aim for such learning to be embedded in teaching across the curriculum and recognise the importance of mathematics in science and technology as well as all other foundation subject areas.
The children are fully engaged in the assessment process, ensuring that their own personal learning targets are progressive and achievable. We use a range of assessment materials, as well as online learning through 'MyMaths' to ensure that the children have opportunities to act upon their learning goals. We regularly check the children's times-tables and number bonds calculation speed, two of the key areas of mathematical understanding that impact most upon progress.
Annotating and jotting are skills that are integrated into daily mathematics teaching in order to give the children a point of reference when carrying out multi-step problem solving. The children are also encouraged to use calculators where appropriate, especially as a tool for checking. This accompanies the teaching of formal and informal calculation methods, which are taught progressively and systematically.
In order to ensure that Mathematics is given a high profile across the school, we offer opportunities for children to participate in an annual Business Week, Problem Solving workshops, The Primary Maths Challenge and Gifted and Talented workshops. Our ultimate objective is to produce mathematicians who are competent and able to face the daily challenges of the world at their feet.
Ways to help at Home
Finding opportunities to talk using the language of mathematics is an essential contribution that parents can make to mathematical development. Discussion around board games, supermarket aisles , at the shop counter and when reading the T.V. guides are all clear examples of opportunities to talk about real-life mathematics. We have a talk policy in school that is based on the principles of life-talk and enquiry-talk.
If your child is to make good progress in mathematics, it is essential that they practise on a daily basis. The following tips will help you to support your child:
Discuss time – timetables, TV schedules, daily routines – ensure that your child has access to a watch and a clock and that you refer to it regularly
Practise times tables – car journeys, meal times, bedtimes, sport - all provide short opportunities for quick fire, fun mental calculation questions
Practise number bonds – can your child make up number pairs to 10, 100, 1000...? This is so critical when it comes to higher level problem solving
Play board games, card games, dice games – encourage your child to turn off the electronics and find some time for some traditional family games
Encourage your child to calculate change and costs when out shopping. Let them sort out the coins and pay themselves
Practise counting backwards and forwards when playing tennis, football, at the park, walking to school. Count cars, people, dogs, trees – anything in your local environment
Discuss how you use mathematics in your own life, in your work – show your child how important it is
Encourage your child to use whichever methods they find most effective to solve calculations. Some prefer traditional methods, some prefer modern teaching methods. As long as the children understand why they are doing what they are doing, the method will be effective
Ensure that your child has access to cubes, coins, counters, dice, cards, toy animals – lots of objects that can be used to practise counting and give them an understanding of number and place value
Children simply need a lot of practise to become competent mathematicians. They need to grow up in a language rich environment where mathematics is valued and talked about regularly. The most valuable contribution that you can make is to talk with your child, ensuring that numbers become a constant and integral part of their daily life and routines.
Maths in the Wider World
The following web sites have some great ideas to help your children with their maths development They also include examples on how maths is taught through the primary years.
http://www.mad4maths.com/parents/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/literacy_maths/