MATHS WEEK IRELAND 2023

The children enjoyed lots of practical maths lessons this week. They took part in a live lesson using the IZAK9 cubes with other children across Ireland. They also took part in an outdoor lesson measuring different areas around the school. They had to decide whether to use a ruler, meter stick, measuring tape or trundle wheel as the best piece of equipment to measure their object. They also took part in mental maths activities and held a competition in class. They also took part in practical maths activities at home by playing cards, baking and cooking. 

WALT: calculate perimeter of rectangular and composite shapes

The children were learning all about how to calculate perimeter of a rectangle and a rectangular composite shape. We completed whiteboard work and went through the techniques and formula of how to calculate perimeter then we used numicon to draw shapes to then calculate the perimeter. The children used their whiteboard pens to draw around the numicon and used the holes in the numicon as a gauge of length. The green group then measure the actual distance of the numicon. They calculated the perimeter of the shapes by showing their working out on the table. A fairly enjoyable task for the children with high engagement levels by being able to draw on their tables! 

WALT: solve number challenges using IZAK9 

The children used a fantastic numeracy resource to help keep their numeracy active and fun. They used IZAK 9 and split into three teams and answered several number questions based on multiplication and addition. The conversation between the children was great and they were using plenty of numeracy vocabulary but also shared their strategies. It was great to see that each group used different strategies to solve the questions and highlighted the fact that there is more than one way to solve a problem and still get the same answer. We provide our children with lots of strategies and they can experiment with a strategy that makes the most sense to them to use. All groups got a turn with the IZAK9 and differentiated questions were asked depending on ability. 

WALT: collect data and find averages 

The children took the opportunity to collect data during ‘Bird Watching Week’. We split into groups of 10 and counted the different type of birds we saw. With this data we were able to describe which bird was the most popular and which bird was the least popular. As each group had varying numbers of birds for each breed we decided that it would be a good idea to explore averages and that it would reflect as more accurate answer.  Back in class we calculated the averages of each type of bird. 

WALT: create our own Easter Egg hunt number problems

The children took part in a unique Easter egg hunt this year by creating their own trail using Minecraft. The boys and girls split into their numeracy groups and used the eggs in the inventory list along with blackboards to create their trail. They hid their eggs in a biome and then placed a blackboard beside the egg with a maths problem focusing on mental maths strategies we’ve learnt this year. The children had to solve their own and create an answer list. Once finished they swapped iPads and completed their friend’s Easter Egg trail. A thoroughly enjoyable session with the children being able to enjoy an Easter egg hunt with a maths focus! 

WALT: convert 12 hour time and 24 hour time 

The children enjoyed playing a quiz based game called Math 99 where children answer questions based on their ability in a live format against one another. They were focusing on converting 12 hour time and 24 hour time. The rounds were split up into smaller intervals which allowed us to discuss incorrect answers and tackle any misconceptions they had before playing the next round. The accuracy of the class improved after each round showing that they were able to take on the teaching and apply it to change their answers in the next round. An enjoyable game which also allowed us to fix any problems during the lesson. 

WALT: solve fractions of amounts using IZAK9

The children were tasked with the Multigrid Challenge and were in a race against the teams to complete the challenge first. The Green Group were then extended and had to create questions for each other to complete. Highly competitive  and engaging lesson to finish up our fraction topic.