Improving Mathematics in the Early Years at Key Stage 1
We know that some challenges are here and there when it comes to some disciplines, especially mathematics and science disciplines These challenges forming some elements of fear for mathematics and science which consequently results in poor performance and lower grades and this in turn hampers their dream of success in their studies.
To deal with above ,At Our Hasti School we plan to make the learning of disciplines like mathematics and science stress-free for students. School organizes and conducts science exhibition, science day , Mathematics day & and maths quiz etc. Daily two questions ,with their answers , on fundamental Mathematics and science are displayed on the Mathematics subject & science subject display Boards respectively . this helps in building confidence among learners
We at our *Hasti school first to know the weaknesses and strengths of learners in the subjects, Diagnostic tests are conducted based on the fundamental concepts children have learnt in the previous class or grade the performance of each and every child is then critically analyzed and accordingly remedial measures are implemented. to ensure that the difficulties are solved and learner enjoy the subject.
The Number concept and maths vocabulary is to strengthen in Primary classes that is Grade one the key class
It is observed and proven fact that there is a gap that exist for children who have rarely played with dice, cards, board games or dominos.
‘Try asking children to show you 7 fingers* – now spot the ones who don’t have 5 as a bench mark to find 7.’ So how then can we avoid these pitfalls and ensure that children gain a greater understanding of the relationships that numbers have with each other?
Teacher one day did put some coloured chalk sticks in biscuit box and asked one of our 3 year old boys “What have you got in there?” asked him.
“Pencils !” he jubilantly told to teacher .
Great teacher thought: he knows and recognizes when he has more than one. “Can I take some out?” teacher asked & took out two without letting him see what teacher had taken. Teacher then placed them on the floor and asked “What can you see?”
“Pencils ,” he again said.
“How did you see them?” teacher asked. He looked a little blank. So teacher said “I saw 1 there and 1 there.”
He immediately responded by saying “Yes, 2.” !!!
Experiences like this are invaluable in helping to develop early number sense and the relationships that exist between numbers.
Getting children to be playful with maths and encouraging them to talk about what they see, how they see it and recognizing how they know it, is fundamental to their confidence around maths and their ability to use and apply this knowledge.
‘Well firstly get your child playing with dice and cards etc. at home the children that recognize dice pattern 5 has the advantage of seeing 4 dots and 1, 3 dots and 2 dots, 2 dots and 2 dots and 1 dot. That helps when later they want to add 5 to 7 for example.’ using a tens frame can be a great way of exploring numbers to 10, decomposing and recombining, exploring one more one less, looking for patterns and considering how close to ten.’
‘Games can be an engaging way to practice and extend skills.’ A good example of this would be playing a game where the children have to work out where they are on the board, how many they have to count on and be able to recognize if the dice indicates a number which exceeds what they need: “I only need four to win but I’ve thrown a six… that’s two more than what I need.”Getting children familiar with mathematical language initially in an informal way is vital too.
If we integrate maths into different activities throughout the day –that story and picture books can be a powerful tool for engaging children with basic maths concepts, while board games (such as Snakes and Ladders) are particularly beneficial to developing understanding of numbers.
We need to Dedicate time for children to learn mathematics and integrate mathematics throughout the day
Dedicate time to focus on mathematics each day.Explore mathematics through different contexts, including storybooks, puzzles, songs, rhymes, puppet play, and games.
Make the most of moments throughout the day to highlight and use mathematics, for example, in daily routines, play activities, and other curriculum areas.
Seize chances to reinforce mathematical vocabulary.
Create opportunities for extended discussion of mathematical ideas with children.
check what children know in a variety of contexts. Carefully listen to children’s responses and consider the right questions to ask to reveal understanding.
The above practices at our school make children confident and they enjoy the learning of mathematics .
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