Page 5 - Raise Coronavirus Edition 3

Mathematics helps to practise problem solving skills including thinking, analysing and reasoning. This is important because it helps children to solve problems and find solutions. Engaging in mathematics and becoming numerate allows children to apply mathematical ideas in
the real world.
If your child is of school age, it is important to have an open dialogue
with your child’s teacher/educator in order to be a partner in your child’s education. Our understanding of the way students learn and the strategies we are teaching and learning have changed to a degree from when the majority of today’s parents attended school.
Some questions to ask are:
• What topics/concepts are being taught this term?
• How is my child going with the concepts taught in class?
• Is my child answering maths facts questions quickly or needing
time to think?
• Are my child’s reading and writing levels affecting their
maths result?
• Does my child succeed with problems more when they use
concrete materials?
• How can I support learning?
• Does the school have any subscriptions to online learning platforms
that my child can participate in? For example, Mathletics.
• If your child is not understanding a concept, how do you adjust the
learning and teaching so they have a clearer understanding?
The classroom is no longer just “chalk and talk”. Students are working in collaborative teams, physically solving maths problems using concrete materials, engaging in games that have a mathematical element, learning through interactive maths apps and online platforms, building and constructing. The use of inquiry-based learning, gradual release teaching and open-ended questioning is also allowing students to find multiple ways to solve problems and realising that there can be more than one solution. Understanding the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of mathematics is key. Giving children purpose and meaning to their learning with real-world scenarios assists them to engage and take ownership of their learning.
Beyond the classroom, and especially at a young age, it is about providing an environment that children feel safe in and giving them confidence. It is ok to make mistakes as it is from these mistakes that we learn and can improve. With parents as first teachers there are a variety of ways to incorporate numeracy skills into your everyday lives. Numeracy skills are important to help develop thinking and reasoning skills. It also helps to teach children life skills such as budgeting, using money, telling the time, measuring and comparing, being able to follow and give directions, explain their thought process and justify their reasons.
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RAISE MAGAZINE • SPECIAL EDITION 3