The Rectangles have been continuing their work on numbers to 10, one more than or less than, and addition within 5. We have used play, videos, and written work to help us explore the different ways we can make 5, some have progressed on to look at number bonds to 10.  In shape, we have looked at the names of 2D shapes and started to describe shapes through counting their corners and sides.

The circles have been continuing to develop their understanding of number and addition within 20. The circles have been working on fractions, splitting shapes or objects into halves and quarters, knowing that all parts should be equal amounts or sizes. The Circles have been looking at 2D and 3D shapes, discussing the properties of 2D shapes using sides and corners.

The Squares have been continuing to develop strategies for addition, subtraction and times tables through weekly mental maths input and interactive games. In addition to this, they have been developing their understanding of fractions as equal parts of a whole. We have looked at halves and quarters of shapes and amounts, as well as starting to use the formal notation of ½ and ¼ when recognising fractions. The Squares have learning the names and properties of both 2D and 3D shapes and are beginning to use corners, edges and faces to describe 3D shapes.

The Triangles have been continuing to develop their mental maths strategies through weekly mental maths activities on iPads and daily challenges. They have been developing their understanding of fractions as an equal part of a whole, looking at the role of the numerator and denominator in a fraction. The Triangles are now beginning to find fractions of whole amounts and will shortly begin to compare fraction sizes using concrete materials.

Ways to support learning at home: Ask your child to show you the number bonds to 5 using ‘bunny ears’ the children have their hands above their heads and display the number of fingers as ‘bunny ears’ to represent the number bond. For example, they may show 3 fingers in one hand and 2 in the other. Ask your child what shapes they can spot in the environment and if they can describe the shapes they have found. Online games such as hit the button (www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button) can be useful for reinforcing number bonds and times tables work.