Maths is Fun in Reception Class

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Maths is Fun A short guide to mathematics in the Early Years at Walmsley CEP School

Early Learning Goals for Mathematics Mathematics is divided into two areas Number and Shape Space and Measures.

Pupils in the Reception Class are working towards the following goals.

Number • Children count reliably with numbers from 0-20 and place them in order.

• Say which is one more or less than a given number.

• Using quantities and objects they add and subtract two single digit numbers. Counting on and back to find the answer.

• To solve problems including doubling, halving and sharing.

Space Shape and Measures •

Children use everyday language to talk about size weight capacity position distance time money to compare quantities and to solve problems.

• To recognise, create and describe patterns.

• To explore characteristics or everyday objects and shapes using mathematical language to describe them.

Learning through play We try to teach mathematics in a practical fun way to improve understanding.

Children learn maths best through activities and tasks where they have to make choices in order to solve a problem or a puzzle where they can explore and talk about their ideas and approach to the problem. The more variety they experience with maths the more comfortable they will feel.

Number Activities • • • • • • • • •

Number rhymes Number lines one more/ one less Counting (mark to count) (count forwards backwards) Number recognition Number formation Ordering numbers (understanding position of numbers) Practical addition Practical subtraction Dry wipe boards number formation/ calculations

Space Shape and Measures Size • taller/ shorter wide /narrow thick /thin Weight • compare heavy light by feel • Use pan balance which is heavier/ lighter • Use scales to weigh baking ingredients grams • Use scale to weigh pupils kg Capacity • Use water/sand to fill to the brim full /empty • Use water to order two items by capacity.

• Talk about at litres & ml find measures on everyday containers

Space Shape and Measures Position • In front of , behind, on top Time • Use everyday language day morning, afternoon , evening night, week, month, year, yesterday, tomorrow • Look at the numerals on the clock. Talk about o’clock.

Money • Recognise difference in coins / begin to look at values.

• Look at notes • Credit/ debit cards

Space Shape and Measures Patterns • Observe repeating patterns • Create repeating patterns with objects/ numbers Shape • Look at 2D shapes square, triangle, circle, rectangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon. Talk about number of edges and corners.

• Look at 3D shapes cube, cuboid, sphere, pyramid, cone Talk about faces, edges, corners.

How parents can help.

The most important thing to do is help your child to feel positive about maths and have fun with it whenever possible.

In the UK people are often negative about maths and this makes it harder for children to see it’s importance.

1. Don’t say things like “I can’t do maths” or “I hated maths at school”.

2. Do talk about the maths in everyday life and ask your child how they work out problems.

3. Do praise your child for effort rather than talent.

4. Do use time at home to practice practical maths.

Maths for everyone for life.

A good understanding of numeracy will help your child with everyday tasks like.

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Solving problems Making decisions Understanding information Numeracy is still important even after children leave school. Children with good numeracy are more likely to

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Stay in education longer Be in work as adults Earn more throughout their lives.

For some super maths ideas and activities for adults and children please visit this website - www.nnchallenge.org.uk