0

20% OFF FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE.

Pioneers Speech

Mathematics or Arithmetic? Teaching maths to kids!

Mathematics and Arithmetic? What is the difference? Why do they matter to your child's learning?

Mathematics: is a whole subject which involves number, algebra, geometry, measurement and data analysis. It consists of the study of relationships and patterns.

 

Arithmetic: the part within mathematics that deals predominantly with subtraction, multiplication, division and addition. Arithmetic is about numbers.

 

Understanding the difference is essential for anyone teaching children. If you were to look at teaching Maths from an arithmetic viewpoint, you would be concerned with explaining each operation as it's own; for example, teaching addition in its own time using strategies that relate to addition. However, if you have a viewpoint of teaching Mathematics from a mathematical perspective, you begin to realise the importance that relationships have. We start to acknowledge the importance of teaching number relationships between subtraction and addition: 1+2=3 use these facts to help you with subtraction 3-1=2.

I teach from a holistic viewpoint. Children need to recognise recurring ideas and relationships that present themselves throughout maths as a whole. Then we move into the area of 'Mathematical thinkers', the ability of students to think and create with mathematical ideas to solve problems, including those of the real world, e.g. working out percentages at a toy sale!   

 

When we refer to mathematics, we are referring to the ability to identify patterns and relationships — a fundamental building block for children to grasp in primary school. I always say to my students "you don't have to have the answer, but see what you can use, of which you already understand to help get you from point A to point B. At that moment I see 'the 'light-bulb' moment, and there is where potential shines through!

Fueling Success: The Impact of a Nutrient-Rich Diet on Behavior and Learning

05 Jan, 2024
In our fast-paced world, where academic and behavioural challenges often go hand in hand, one powerful solution may be on our plates. Emerging research suggests that the link between a nutrient-rich diet and improved behaviour and learning outcomes in children is more significant than we might have imagined.

10 Things to Know About the Difficulties in Reading

05 Dec, 2023
Dive into the top 10 must-know insights about nurturing your child's reading journey! From decoding the secrets of literacy to supercharging oral language skills, discover the keys to success and why some kids face reading hurdles. Get ready for a journey into the heart of raising confident young readers !

Why early childhood really matters for children, families and the community!

15 Sep, 2021
Why early childhood matters for children, families and the community!

Engaging & Motivating Students to Read!

15 Sep, 2021
Recently I have come across students in the upper primary years struggling with motivation concerning reading for comprehension rather than reading just to finish the text. This idea may sound very simple, like don't we all read to understand? Well, no, not always, reading for understanding and to then apply the knowledge is a learned skill and a very complex one also. It requires the reader to have the motivation to understand what they are reading, and the best way I have found to give this to students is through purpose. Giving students purpose and goals that they understand and feel are achievable; this is essential in this recipe to success.

Finding Gaps in Mathematical Understanding

15 Sep, 2021
All too often assessment and testing become a definite concern for many parents, understand how to assess student knowledge if not done via a test is often not completely understood. I'd like to share today an assessment problem I'll be giving to some of my students that have started on their journey towards understanding fractions in the fullest way possible. My core beliefs are that the way to teach fundamental skills in mathematics, is to teach the concept in a way that reflects understanding; what I mean is it isn't enough to teach students how to add fractions by way of a process. We need to teach in a way that produces an understanding that will be used later in student education to support more complex concepts within the same subject.

Improve Your Child's Confidence Today!

15 Sep, 2021
As a teacher, I have seen many cases where confidence has affected academic results in a negative way. This is unfortunate as students have the ability to perform at a higher standard but often can't due to low confidence and self-esteem. Confidence is a vital factor in academic success for most students. The majority of the students I see are struggling with a lack of confidence; this can sometimes come across to educators and parents as an unwillingness to learn. Don't mistake your child's lack of self-esteem for an unwillingness to learn. I have seen many behavioural issues in the classroom, as well as lack of participation, come from a lack of confidence.

Expectations Influence Your Child's IQ!

15 Sep, 2021
Teacher expectations is a subject I am very passionate about as it is a huge factor in determining what mindset your child will adopt. Over the years of teaching and working with children I have seen many cases of students confidence and mindset affecting their ability at school.

Identifying Reading Difficulties - How you can help!

15 Sep, 2021
As a parent I can understand the extreme worry and anxiety parents face when identifying that their child may have a reading difficulty.

Five Principles of Extraordinary Math Teaching

15 Sep, 2021
Dr Dan Finkel decided after finishing his PhD in algebraic geometry at the University of Washington, that teaching math was the biggest contribution he could make to the world.

Divergent Thinking...What if......

15 Sep, 2021
The word divergent is partly defined as "tending to be different or develop in different directions." Divergent thinking refers to the way the mind generates ideas beyond proscribed expectations and rote thinking -- what is usually referred to "thinking outside the box," and is often associated with creativity. Convergent thinking, on the other hand, requires one to restrict ideas to those that might be correct or the best solution to a problem.
More Posts
Share by: