A big Hi to all my ‘family’ at Glen Huon. Just to reassure you all, whilst I am involved in the pilot program to support Maths teaching in the State this year, I will continue to visit Glen Huon twice a week. I am absolutely committed to all our growth in Mathematics and to developing Numeracy confidence and disposition.

For the next few newsletters, I thought I would share some great insights from a recent article by Professor Doug Clarke, whom I had the privilege of working beside during my study.

My thoughts echo Doug’s message:

“To those parents I’d say, firstly, you’re probably more capable than you think, and secondly, if you’re not, there are still many different things you can do to help. And this goes for grandparents (like me) too, who often have more time and opportunities to help”. (D. Clarke, 2021)

Doug reminds us of some general principles to keep in mind

• Homework focused on family activities assists children to do better at school
• Building on success, acknowledging errors leads to learning
• Letting our kids work it out, holding back from being too helpful is crucial
• Being patient, giving them time to think
• Talking about how they got there
• Using the precise words (Mathematical words), a 10 litre bucket instead of a big bucket.

So, a couple of his ideas to get you started or to affirm the great work you are already doing.

❶ In the supermarket, ask your child

-how many people till we reach the cashier,

-to collect a 2kg bag of rice or the 3 litre milk carton,

-which is better value – the 575g of Weetbix or the 1.2Kg,

-how many chicken drumsticks we might expect if I ask for 500 grams.

over to you …

❷ Find a moment each week to play a quick card or dice game, continue the family jigsaw puzzle, play snakes and ladders or if you are really brave, Monopoly. Games are a terrific way to continue to develop Mathematics capability.

Enjoy those everyday opportunities,

Cheers, Stephanie van der Schans, Lead Quality Teaching Coach – Numeracy.