How to help your child ......

Mathematics

What mathematics will students learn?

The content of Mathematics K-6 Syllabus is divided into three strands:

Number, Space and Measurement

Number is about learning number facts, like tables; solving number problems; counting and understanding our number system; understanding fractions, especially decimals; understanding our money system;estimating answers when appropriate.

Space is about drawing everyday objects and geometrical shapes on paper; solving problems about shapes;reading, understanding and using maps, plans and diagrams; making and understanding graphs.

Measurement is about understanding length, area, volume, mass, temperature and time; using simple measuring tools, such as rulers and thermometers; solving measurement problems; estimating the size of common objects.

The Mathematics K-6 syllabus describes mathematics as

• a search for patterns and relationships
• a way of thinking
• a powerful and precise means of communication
• a creative activity

Why should mathematics be taught?

The Mathematics K-6 syllabus points out that mathematics is:

• useful in our everyday live;
• an important part of our culture;
• an interesting leisure-time pursuit.

What are the aims of mathematics education?

Mathematics K-6 has been designed to develop students'

• knowledge, understandings and skills in the areas of number, space and measurement.
• confidence and enjoyment in doing mathematical activities.
• awareness of the place of mathematics in solving problems of every day life and in contributing to the development of our society.

How will students learn mathematics?

Problem Solving

Mathematics outside school usually involves solving problems. As schools strive to make mathematics more relevant, students will be increasingly involved in solving real-life problems. Students might be asked to work out how much money is needed for an excursion or how to arrange furniture in their classroom to make the best use of the room. Students will learn to have more confidence in their own ability to solve mathematical problems that arise naturally in their daily lives.

Concrete Material

Students learn mathematics best when they are actively involved and are using "hands-on" materials to help them learn. These materials include everyday objects, or structured materials such as pattern blocks.

Language

Mathematics, like all areas of learning, involves using language. Mathematics K-6 encourages teachers to let students discuss and write about mathematics both during and after mathematical investigations.

Technology

Calculators and computers are used in most workplaces and many homes. They are being used more and more in primary schools.

Research has shown that calculators assist students to remember number facts.

Positive Attitudes

Although most people believe that mathematics is important, many people lack confidence in this area. Developing positive attitudes to mathematics is something parents and teachers need to work at together.

WHAT RESEARCH and EXPERIENCE TELL US

• Today's emphasis is on problem - solving and understanding mathematical processes, rather than on speed of calculation or learning by heart.
• The best primary school mathematics lessons require children to use objects -concrete materials - rather than work through textbook exercises.
• In today's schools, the emphasis is on mathematics programs tailored to the needs of children. Rarely will all the children be found to be working on exactly the same material at the same time.
• Children do still learn 'tables' but the emphasis is on understanding and practising these calculations in real life situations.
• Today the best teaching strives to develop in children a love of mathematical inquiry and a mastery of the ordered process of reasoning.

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO

DO praise your children's efforts at measuring, counting, calculating.

DO Emphasise positive aspects, such as enjoyment, satisfaction, "having a go".

DO encourage children to make discoveries for themselves and to talk about them.

DO listen to children "talking" mathematics as they play shops or schools, use construction toys or play games. This will give you insight into how they think through problems and calculations.

DO encourage discussion about how things work, e.g. kitchen scales, thermometers.

DO encourage girls as well as boys to play and build with blocks and everyday objects.

DO ask for a guess or estimate of amounts or distances.

DO play games with your children to show that mathematics related activities are fun for everyone and can be shared.

DO keep lots of everyday material on hand for projects and model building, e.g. empty milk cartons, cereal packets, cotton reels, straws, margarine tubs, orange juice bottles.

DO have a calculator in the house and encourage the use of games that lead to the discovery of some of the exciting properties of number.

DO involve your child in real mathematical experiences at home, such as adding shopping lists, estimating costs, counting out change, measuring ingredients for cooking, setting the table, and looking for patterns in floor and wall tiles.

DO encourage all children to be involved in spare time activities that require 'hands on" mathematical skills e.g. making models and assembling kits.

You can help your child by providing a positive attitude towards learning mathematics.

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