Mental Maths module for the Foundation Phase

Transcription

1 Mental Maths module for the Foundation Phase 1

2 CONTENTS 1. The importance of Mental Mathematics p 4 2. Benefits of Mental Maths p 6 3. Mental Maths games p 7 4. Mental Maths activities p 8 2

3 1. The importance of Mental Mathematics The development of a variety of mental strategies helps to make children confident mathematicians. Learners who can do mathematical computations quickly and accurately in their heads are seen as being good at maths. In general, poorer performing learners use less efficient strategies and the development of mental computation through a strategy approach can help them move forwards. Learners with number sense know the relative size of numbers and use a variety of computation strategies to solve a problem. This enables them to approach maths with a real sense of what they are being asked to do, making them more confident, with a greater ability to work mathematically. The Mental Maths books fulfil the need for easily accessible mental warm-ups, constant practice of maths facts, a useful homework book and further revision of concepts taught. ACTIVITY 1 Problem of the Day Mpumi thought of a number and multiplied it by 6. She then subtracted 5 before doubling it. Her answer was 86. What was the number she thought of? Maths is everywhere and we use it all the time. ACTIVITY 2 Name some areas where we use maths all the time. 3

4 The Human Brain vs. the Calculator The availability of the hand-held calculator has changed the kind of mathematics that people need to know and learn. For the parents and grandparents of today s children learning mathematics involved learning how to calculate. The brain is able to calculate and reason. The calculator can only calculate. Learners develop the ability to use both sides of the brain when regularly doing mental maths. Mental maths improves mental coordination. Mathematical proficiency requires: Understanding (what you are doing) Applying (using computational skills to solve a problem) Reasoning (reflect and think on how they solved the problem) Engaging (children who engage use their understanding of the maths learnt to solve a problem) Computing (performing procedures for basic operations) ACTIVITY 3 Check which is faster using a calculator or asking a person? Group the learners into pairs. One will use the calculator and the other will think of the answer in their heads. The teacher will choose a question from the appropriate Mental Maths book. 4

5 2. Benefits of Mental Maths Both hemispheres of the brain are stimulated Mental maths develops speed, accuracy and gradually the ability to do calculations involving higher order numbers Improves memory and concentration levels Stimulates learner s interest in maths Increases learner s confidence, reasoning, creativity and organizational skills. Open your Mental Maths book to the first unit. The book is written in two page weekly units. The left hand page has two groups (A an B) of quick mental exercises that constantly practice the maths facts. A and B sets of questions focus on specific subskills, which help learners learn and retain basic concepts. Each set of questions is clear and uncluttered. Look at the right hand side of the unit. This page always starts with an explanation and practice of a mental strategy. This structured focus on mental strategies is a unique feature to the Mental Maths series. This section includes revision of space, measurement, position, number, chance and data handling. At the end of the right hand page is a problem of the week. This problem gets learners thinking and lets them apply their mathematical skills. The Foundation Phase Mental Maths books have a resource section at the back of the book, which teachers and learners can use. ACTIVITY 4 Go through your Mental Maths book and find an activity that relates to Space and Shape. 5

6 3. Mental Maths games When playing Mental Maths games: Set ground rules and adhere to them at all times. Allow games to be played 2 x 2 to encourage cooperation and joint decision-making. Many of the activities in the Mental Maths books can be converted into games. First give learners some warm up games to practice. Try some of these warm up activities in your group: Add your telephone number. Arrange the digits from the largest to the smallest. Which digits are odd /even? Add the first and last digits. Beat the clock Time your learners while they count and record so as to compare times as they improve. Count back from 20 in two s Start at 3 count up in threes to 21 Start at 2 count up in twos to 20 Starting at 6 count in twos to 26 How much is your name worth? Learners count the letters of their names by using certain criteria e.g. If vowels cost R2 and consonants R1, how much would that be? Use the answers of all the learners and create a big addition sum. Roll the dice Start with 1 dice and roll 5 times and keep a running total. Advanced: Use 2 or more dice and add the numbers. 6

7 4. Mental Maths activities Grade 1 Strategy Making bonds of ten. (Only do 2 sums) Capacity Circle the one that holds more. 7

8 Grade 2 Strategy Numberline Addition on the numberline. Time What is the time? Also fill in the digital time. Counting Add all the legs of the animals. How many legs altogether? 8

9 Grade 3 Patterns Creating number patterns Subtraction 10 more or ten less. 9