Primary Mathematics and a world of magic
Helen Maynard – Director of Studies K-6
We consider our grouping in Mathematics along with all subjects to be flexible. This means that students may change groups depending on their needs. We talk frequently with students and parents about the notion of ‘best fit’ and this is what we strive for in our groupings. We want students to be challenged at a comfortable level to ensure understanding and growth.
Teachers regularly use a variety of strategies to ‘check in’ with students’ progress and adjust groups accordingly. Teachers will do a range of observations and formal assessments to ascertain whether any students need to change their groups.
Naturally, staff will need to take time to get to know students who are new to Emanuel School before they are placed in groups.
The magical world of READING!
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.”
Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
As we are all aware, reading opens up worlds we could be never be part of, it provides knowledge and most importantly makes us laugh and cry. Books are truly magical.
The influence of parents modeling a love for reading cannot be underestimated. There are many strategies and ideas that can be utilised at home to open up the world of reading further for your child/ren.
How to raise a curious reader:
- Begin reading to your child at birth
- Let your baby play with the book
- Be animated. Use different voices and facial expressions as you read. Make it fun! Choose books that use word repetition, rhymes, and predictable text
- Decide on a regular time to read each day; even five or ten minutes gets children ready to read on their own
- Before reading the book together, have your child take a ‘picture walk’ through the book and make predictions about the story. This can also work for older students before they read a chapter
- Encourage a love of words by playing rhyming and word games, singing silly songs, or writing stories together
- Satisfy your child’s curiosity by choosing books that support your child’s interests, from dinosaurs to wizards
- Re-read your child’s favourite books whenever asked. After several retellings, ask your child to tell you the story
- Involve your child in the reading by asking questions! Ask “what” questions; avoid questions that require a simple “yes” or “no” answer. You might ask: “What do you think will happen next?” Remember to give your child time to think about the question and respond
- Take your child to the library to check out books and attend story time
- Subscribe your child to a weekly magazine of interest to them
- Read the newspaper together
- Model quiet reading time
- Books make fantastic presents
- Compare and contrast books and movies as a family
- Get siblings to read to and with each other.
The following link provides a multitude of ideas that can be used across many age groups:
www.readingrockets.org/article/18935/
Often teachers are asked to recommend good books for students to read. The link below has a list compiled by teachers of the top 100 books children must read before leaving Primary School:
Enjoy!
Helen Maynard
Director of Studies K-6