Maths Theme Wrap Up 2023 by Miss Bonnie
The first block theme of the academic year was Mathematics here at Nadeen. We believe it is a great way to start the year, as the applications of Mathematics can be seen quite easily across the whole curriculum. So let us take a look at what children have been doing during this time.
Fluency Games
One of the three aims of the maths curriculum states that students will: become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that students develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
Children played a range of times table and number bond games. Numbots and Times Table Rockstars were relaunched across the school with a rocking success! Numbots is an application that focuses on counting, addition, and subtraction. Timers Table Rockstars focuses purely on the recall of number facts. Just three minutes a day, every day will help your child improve their fluency in numbers. At Nadeen, children’s names are displayed once they have achieved a particular level and a special certificate is brought to their classroom to celebrate their achievement.
Why do children need to be fluent?
“To the person without number sense, arithmetic is a bewildering territory in which any deviation from the known path may rapidly lead to being totally lost“
– Dowker, 1992
Collaborative Games
Children enjoyed playing a variety of collaborative maths games. Some classes met with their buddy class to enjoy this experience. Games included snakes and ladders, dominoes, chess, snap, battleships, and times table games. Playing games encourages strategic mathematical thinking as students find different strategies for solving problems and deepen their understanding of numbers. When played repeatedly, games support students’ development of computational fluency. Games present opportunities for practice, often without the need for teachers to provide the problems. Teachers can then observe or assess students and work with individuals or small groups of students. Games support a school-to-home connection. Parents can learn about their children’s mathematical thinking by playing games with them at home.
Problem Solving
Students in this Mathematics theme block were able to work on these skills with some online strategic activities and also some tricky physical puzzles sorts! A big well done to all of the students who were able to solve these. Problem Solving and refining strategies to solve problems is a key skill that is then applied to life. Having the ability to remain calm, and demonstrate persistence and resilience in the face of a difficult or frustrating situation are key skills that we use in our day to day lives. Engaging with mathematical problems is a great place to start to really refine these skills and this can come in many forms! It can be with numbers, but also with shapes, puzzles, worded situations, and scenarios from real life.
Maths Art
Children were exposed to a variety of maths art during the Maths Theme. This was a great opportunity for students to become more creative in maths.
During the Maths Art Week, Nadeen hosted the Maths Art Show. Entries included tessellations, symmetry, and optical illusions. Congratulations to Aradous for being the overall winners!
Teaching Strategies in Maths
In alignment with Nadeen’s inclusive philosophy, using differentiation strategies in mathematics supports the learning of diverse learners. Teachers can ensure lessons are engaging while making the content accessible to all students. The Concrete Pictorial Abstract Approach is an evidence based system that develops a deepened understanding of mathematical concepts. The approach uses concrete materials to introduce abstract ideas. It’s widely recognized as a highly effective strategy for learning maths.
In summary, a range of approaches have been used throughout the maths theme to inspire and motivate all students to love Maths!
