Category Archives: Maths & Numeracy

P2 Number

Primary 2 have been  hard at work recently developing  their understanding of 2 digit numbers, as well as working on addition and subtraction skills.

To support this work we have been exploring and using a resource called Numicon.

We learnt that each coloured shape represents a different number, and first of all, we played some games to help us recognise the value of each shape quickly and confidently.

Then we began to use the shapes to help us investigate different ways to make  11, or 14  or 15 etc.  This helped us to practise and consolidate the number bonds we had been learning.  We also used the Numicon to make larger 2 digit numbers such as 32, 56 or 79.

We were then able to show 10 more than or ten less than, and we could describe clearly what was happening each time.

We have also been very busy on Sumdog, Hit the Button and other games to practise our number skills, and we are keen to take part in the Sumdog competition this week.

Roman Mosaics in Primary 3

We are learning about Roman mosaics

  • I can observe and discuss the different colours, patterns, shapes and symmetry found in Roman tiling/mosaics
  • I can create my own tiling/mosaic design in the style of the Romans
  • I can include symmetry in my design.

Primary 3 have started their new IDL context, The Rotten Romans, and this week we have been focusing on life in Roman times. We learned about how rich Romans often decorated their homes in mosaics as a sign of wealth. We explored the colours, patterns and shapes they used, as well as how they were created.

We then used digital tools, 2D shapes and squared paper to explore and create our own mosaics. In our maths lesson this week, we have been learning about lines of symmetry and symmetrical patterns. We applied our learning when we were creating our mosaics, making symmetrical patterns in the style of the Romans.

We also applied our knowledge of mosaics and symmetry in writing and spelling this week. In a spelling task, we were challenged to find lines of symmetry in letters and then write words and sentences using only symmetrical letters. In writing, we have been learning how to write a diary entry of a day in the life of a Roman and, if we decided to be a rich Roman, we talked about our beautiful mosaics and making our slaves sand them down until they were smooth for us. We are really enjoying learning about the Rotten Romans.

Useful Website- Bedtime Math

Bedtime Math is striving to help families introduce maths as a fun part of their daily routine, as common and beloved as the bedtime story. They make it easy to roll maths into the day, whether at bedtime, bathtime, or snacktime.

You can check out the site by clicking the link below:

Bedtime Math For Families

There is also a free app that can be downloaded onto Smartphones and tablets.

 

STEM Competition Preparation!

As part of our Junior Leadership Team, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) group decided that they would like to learn about the construction of the new Queensferry Crossing. We spent some time in our sessions researching and watching videos around the construction of the bridge.

The children then decided that they would like to organise and run a STEM competition for the whole school as part of the upcoming British Science Week from the 9th to the 18th of March 2018.

Over the past few weeks we have been designing posters and experimenting with different ways and materials to construct bridges. We will now arrange a timetable for each class during British Science week to run the competition with each class, taking on a leadership role.

P2 Open Afternoon

This week, Primary 2 threw open their shop doors, and invited family and friends to come and buy!

As part of our Mid Calder IDL topic  we have been exploring the different shops that exist in Mid Calder. We learnt about the different types of goods and services available. We investigated and discussed matters such as signs and logos, opening and closing times and the range and cost of items for sale.

We then decided to work together in pairs or in small groups to create our own shop especially for the Open Afternoon. We made a plan and then set about making the signs to provide information for our customers and the goods that we wanted to sell. We made some winter themed cards in two different sizes.

When the doors opened, business was brisk, and soon our customers were buying big cards for 20p and small cards for 10p.  We  calculated total costs and worked out how much change to give back to customers.

Finally, the customers helped with a little bit of Market Research by sharing some ideas about what new kind of sweet they might like to see for sale in the future.

Thank you to everyone who came along and joined in with our activities.

Money

This week Primary 2 have been working very hard learning about Money as part of their IDL Topic.

LI We are learning to use different coins to pay an exact amount

SC I can read the cost of an item

I can choose the coins I need to pay for it

First, we looked at all the coins very carefully and practised recognising and sorting them by putting them into different money banks.

Next we looked at the cost of items in the toy shop, and discussed which coins we could use to pay for it. We discovered that there were different ways of making the same amount. Soon, we were trying to make the exact amount using the fewest number of coins.

Perhaps we will be able to use our skills at home too, by using coins to pay for some items next time we go shopping.

Mrs Smith would love to hear how we get on!

 

 

 

West Lothian Maths Contest on Sumdog

P1-7 have been entered to take part in Sumdog’s West Lothian Maths Contest. This runs from 10-16th November and can be played at both home and at school using the Sumdog website or app. All pupils should have their Sumdog log in their homework diary/ book.

The children have to answer 1000 questions and their score is based on accuracy, not speed or winning games. There are also prizes to be won and certificates will be given out at assembly for those children in the top 50 from across West Lothian.

Good luck everyone!