I think of a number and add 6. My answer is negative 7, what number did I start with? Sums and Things for Parents

Well done Lucie. How did you think that through? Sums and Things for Parents Negative 13

The story so far ………. childrens recall of number facts has become more accurate and faster children are more aware of the strategies they use to calculate they use vocabulary correctly they are more confident about maths maths is more fun!

What can a numerate child do? By the age of 11 they should : have a sense of the size of number and where it fits into the number system know by heart addition and subtraction facts to 20, multiplication and division facts to 10x10, doubles and halves, complements to 100, multiply and divide by 10 and 100 use what they know to figure out answers mentally

What can a numerate child do? (cont.) calculate accurately and efficiently, both mentally and on paper, using a range of strategies recognise when it is appropriate to use a calculator- and when it is not- and be able to use one effectively explain their methods and reasoning using correct mathematical terms judge whether their answers are reasonable and have strategies for checking them where necessary

The aim The aim is for children to do mathematics in their heads, and if the numbers are too large, to use pencil and paper to avoid losing track. To do this children need to learn quick and efficient methods, including appropriate written methods.

Mathematics is foremost an activity of the mind, and written calculations are an aid to that mental activity. The Numeracy Strategy aims to develop childrens mental strategies and then written methods that derive from and support mental methods. Learning written methods is not the ultimate aim.

We want children to ask themselves: Can I do this in my head? Can I do this in my head using drawings or jottings? Do I need to use an expanded/compact written method? Do I need a calculator?

– – – How do you add and subtract?

Mistakes children make:

…….and more:

= 76 Addition

= Addition

= = Addition

Subtraction Imran has 43 conkers; he gives 24 away to his friends. How many does he have left? 43 – 24 = conkers

Subtraction Sam has saved 93p, Amy has 55p. How much more money does Sam have than Amy? 93 – 55 = p more

Subtraction 8.23 – 4.55 =

Subtraction A sports stadium holds 9010 spectators people attend a football match. How many empty seats are there? empty seats 6000

57 x 278 ÷ 2 43 x ÷ 2 36 x ÷ 4 18 x x 1917 ÷ 5 34 x 75.4 ÷ 6 How do you multiply and divide?

Mistakes children make: 76 x x r

Multiplication 47 x 8 = x x 46 = x

……… leading to algebra at KS3 xab aa 2 aba 2 + ab babb 2 ab + b 2 a 2 + 2ab + b 2 (a + b) 2 = (a + b) x (a + b) (a + b) 2 = a 2 + 2ab + b 2

Division

…or chunking

First on a number line 87 ÷ subtract 7x10 or 7 ten times We have subtracted seven 12 times and have 3 left so… 87 ÷ 7 = 12 r 3 subtract 7x2 or 7 twice

A shop notice states that there are 87 shopping days to Christmas. How many weeks is that? (10 weeks) (2 weeks) 3 So its 12 weeks (and 3 days) of shopping to Christmas.

432 school children are going on an outing. If each bus takes 15 passengers, how many buses will be needed? (20 buses) (6 buses) 42 So we need 29 buses or 28 buses and some cars! -30 (2 buses) 12 (people left)

How can you help? Talk about how you do maths Give praise and encouragement Be positive Ask your child to explain Make sure maths is fun!