Maths with Fun

Overview

Duration:

40 minutes

Class Size:

16 students

Year:

Kindergarten

Curriculum Area:

Mathematics, Foundation to Year 2 (F-2)

Main Concept:

Visual representations can assist in combining and separating quantities.

Australian Curriculum Reference:

Focus on Number and Algebra: Content Strand - Number and Algebra; Proficiency Strands - Understanding, Fluency, Problem-Solving, and Reasoning.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Understand that visual aids can help in combining (addition) and separating (subtraction) quantities.
2. Be able to use counters and drawing as visual representations to solve simple addition and subtraction problems.
3. Gain confidence in explaining their thought process using visual aids.

Materials Needed

• Coloured counters (red and blue, 10 of each per student)
• A4 sheets of paper
• Crayons
• Whiteboard and markers
• Pre-prepared large visual cards (containing images of items like apples, cars, and stars)
• Simple addition and subtraction story cards

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

Greeting and Warm-Up

• Greet the students cheerfully as they settle down.
• Engage them with a quick song related to counting, e.g., "Five Little Ducks".

Introduction to Visual Representations

• Gather the students in a circle around you.
• Show a visual card with 3 apples and ask, “How many apples can you see?”
• Ask the next student to add more apples to the picture and ask, “Now, how many apples do we have?”

Activity 1: Counter Combination Fun (10 minutes)

Instructions

1. Divide the class into pairs.
2. Give each pair 10 red and blue counters and an A4 sheet of paper.
3. Show how to "combine" counters by putting them together (e.g., 3 red + 2 blue).

Task

• Ask pairs to form different combinations adding up to 5 (e.g., 2 red + 3 blue).
• Encourage them to draw the arrangement on the paper with crayons.
• Walk around to assist and ask guiding questions, “How many do you have now? How did you find that?”

Activity 2: Drawing and Separating (10 minutes)

Instructions

1. Distribute a new set of paper and crayons.
2. Provide a short story of subtraction, like “You had 5 stars, but you gave 2 away. How many stars do you have now?”

Task

• Ask students to draw the story they hear.
• First, draw 5 stars, then cross out the 2 given away.

Discussion and Reflection (5 minutes)

Interactive Sharing

• Invite students to come forward and share their drawings.
• Encourage them to explain the process of combining and separating using their visual aids.

Reinforcement

• Use the whiteboard to model a few more examples, inviting students to help.

Differentiation

Support for Struggling Students

• Pair struggling students with peers who grasp the concepts more quickly.
• Use more tangible objects like toys or blocks for these students to physically manipulate during activities.

Extension for High Achievers

• Challenge students by increasing the quantities (up to 10) for combining and separating exercises.
• Introduce simple problems involving combining or separating quantities in different contexts, like time or money.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

Recap and Praise

• Summarise the core concept: "How visual representations, like drawings or counters, help us understand adding and taking away."
• Praise the students for their efforts and teamwork.

Closing Note

• End with a note to parents about the lesson’s focus and encourage practice at home with everyday objects.

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Remember, the goal is to make learning maths engaging and accessible through visual and interactive means. This approach helps students solidify their understanding of combining and separating quantities. Happy teaching!