Mathematics Workshop for Parents PARENTS COUNT TOO How

Mathematics Workshop for Parents “PARENTS COUNT TOO”

How Can You Support Your Child’s. Learning of Mathematics? � Show � an interest in your child’s school work Expect your child to succeed � Share a positive attitude towards mathematics with your child � Support � Talk your child’s interest in mathematics about mathematics and solving problems

� Be prepared to discuss mathematical ideas � Point out how mathematics is used every day � Ask your child what they have learnt in mathematics � Be positive about your child’s efforts and encourage them to practise skills � Support the school’s mathematics program

� The most important thing you can do is to take the time to discuss mathematical thinking with your child and show you value your child as a learner of mathematics

How can I help my child with Maths at home? 1. Working Mathematically: Students who feel confident about Working Mathematically feel confident about themselves as learners of mathematics. � Encourage your child’s curiosity about the use of numbers and measurements in the world around them eg in the kitchen (measuring, digital timers, sharing, fractions) � Listen to their many questions and ask your own questions. � Play games together and discuss how mathematical ideas can be used to play (in a board game work out what die you may need to throw to land on / win)

2. Number: � Count with your child whenever possible. Play counting games while travelling in the car. Remember to count forward and backwards starting from different numbers. � Look for numbers in your local area (eg house numbers, prices, speed signs, Roman numerals) � Number plate game: how many different numbers can you make from the 3 digits displayed on car in front of you � Card games: addition or subtraction snap

3. Patterns and Algebra: � Use a calculator to count by 1, 2, 3 and so on. Press +2= then continue to press =, =, = � Play ‘guess the next number’ or ‘guess my rule’ games. This involves listing a set of numbers that form a pattern eg 2, 5, 8, 11, . . . � Talk about the relationship between number groups eg 2+1 = 3 and 1+2=3 � Play detective: work out the missing number in a ‘code’ eg 3 + = 8

4. Data: � Create a graph of your child’s growth over time. � Use tally marks to score in a game, or count days to a special event. � Collect data relating to the child eg count up books that have been read over a month

5. Measurement: � Collect jars and containers of different sizes and shapes. Sort them from smallest to largest capacity then check by filling (great for in the bath) � Join your child in working out measurements for cooking, building, craft or sewing � Read and interpret timetables with your child eg train, bus, TV guides. � Encourage your child to estimate how long it will take to perform a common task eg minutes or seconds

� 6. Space and Geometry: � Encourage your child to find shapes and objects used in their environment eg in buildings, parks, schools, shops. Why are some shapes and objects used more than others? � Discuss 3 dimensional objects with your child using their geometric names eg cone, cylinder, cube, sphere, rectangular prism. Have a ‘shape hunt’. � Identify symmetry in the environment. Sort leaves and flowers on the basis of symmetry. � Find examples of tessellating shapes in the community eg pavements, buildings.

USEFUL WEBSITES � � � 1. K-6 Mathematics Parent Support Document PDF (40 pages of ideas and information) http: //k 6. boardofstudies. nsw. edu. au/go/mathematics 2. Ta. Le: http: //www. tale. edu. au 3. Curriculum support http: //www. curriculumsupport. education. nsw. gov. au/primary/mathematics/index. htm (with links to others below) � 4. Parents Count Too (downloads for all strands) � 5. Count Me In Too: http: //www. curriculumsupport. education. nsw. gov. au/primary/mathematics/numeracy/parents/index. htm http: //www. curriculumsupport. education. nsw. gov. au/countmein/parents. html � 6. New Australian Curriculum http: //www. australiancurriculum. edu. au/Home � 7. National Literacy and Numeracy Week http: //www. nlnw. nsw. edu. au

The new National Curriculum: Mathematics BEFORE: � Patterns � Number and Algebra � Space and Geometry � Measurement � Data The Content Strands are now: � Number and Algebra � Measurement and Geometry � Statistics and Probability

BEFORE: Working Mathematically? Questioning � Reasoning � Applying Strategies � Communicating � Reflecting � NOW: Proficiency Strands: Fluency � Reasoning � Understanding � Problem solving �

�CONTENT taught is what is being �PROFICIENCY being taught is how it is

Curriculum is divided across 4 year groupings: BEFORE: � Early Stage 1: Kindergarten � Stage 1: Years 1 and 2 � Stage 2: Years 3 and 4 � Stage 3: Years 5 and 6 NOW: K-2: 5 to 8 years 3 -6: 8 to 12 years 7 -10: 12 to 15 years 11 -12: 15 to 18 years

Connections to other Learning Areas �English �History �Science