Bonsai- Maths- 10.2.20
We have recently moved on to our new topic in maths; fractions. Today we were looking at improper fractions and mixed numbers. We used fraction pieces to investigate how to convert improper fractions into mixed numbers. It made us feel very hungry as we pretended these pieces were pizza!
This week, we have been learning about column subtraction in maths. Today we showed resilience, reflection and collaboration when we got stuck in the learning pit. Working together we managed to solve problems and reflect on our mistakes. By the end of the lesson, some of us were able to be teachers and help anyone left in the learning pit.
In Maths today, we were looking at different ways to solve addition problems and methods we can use to prove we are correct. We spoke about two parts making one whole. Some of us even attempted writing a story to go with the number sentence.
Three children, who had worked incredibly hard to solve the problem, were then appointed experts for the lesson to support others in their understanding. They were so helpful. Well done!
Today the children were introduced to ten frames in Maths. We worked out that we could represent different numbers by drawing dots. We also worked out that a number can be represented in a variety of ways.
We challenged ourselves to find different ways to represent the same number. We then applied our reasoning skills to solve a problem.
This week in maths, Bonsai have been looking at polygons. We have been discussing how shapes can be categorised and the differences between regular and irregular polygons. What polygons can you spot around school or home?
Today, we looked at collecting information and presenting our findings in a table. We each drew our face then stuck it down alongside our favourite superhero. We could see which the least popular superhero was as it only had one face by it.
We will be interpreting this data tomorrow and drawing comparisons using the words more, most, fewer and fewest.
In our maths lesson recently, some of the class were given some very complicated problems to solve. They involved calculating the angles of compound shapes. The part that made it tricky was that not all of the information was shown, so we had to work out the missing information before we could solve the problem.
Some of the class spent a whole lesson (45 minutes) trying to solve a single problem (unsuccessfully).
In Hazeldown, we call this being in the learning pit. This struggle is very important as it makes our brains work very hard and deeper learning takes place.
Today we discussed the learning pit. We discussed the fact that whilst it is good to be in the learning pit, there is a time limit.We think that in Year 6, if we are still in the learning pit after about 25 minutes, we should change task.
On the flip side, if a task is too easy, we should change to a more challenging task – putting ourselves into the learning pit where the deeper learning can take place.
Every morning in Year 6 we solve a variety of calculations. This slows the forgetting curve so we create permanent knowledge about a range of mathematical approaches.
Some of the calculations we do have a variety of solutions.
Today we had the calculation 23 x 1 1/2 (Twenty three multiplied by one and a half).
Here are some of the solutions we discussed:
23 x 15 = 345 then 345 / 10 = 34.5
Here someone converted the one and a half into decimals (1.5) then adjusted that to 15 by multiplying by 10.
After the calculation was done, they adjusted back by dividing by ten.
23 x 1 = 23 and 23 x 1/2 = 11.5 23+11.5 = 34.5
Here someone noticed that they could split the one and a half into one and one half, they then multiplied 23 by these and combined the solutions to get the answer.
One person converted both numbers into fractions and multiplied them!
23/1 x 3/2 = 69/2 = 34.5
We must make sure we are using the most efficient method, but we can use one of the other methods to check our work.
We have an exciting new maths app. We have begun using this in class but you can also access it at home. Its called NUMBOTS. Your login details are the same as your TTRock stars.
This week in Maths, we have been learning about short division. We were looking at division in real-life situations.
Today Monkey Puzzle had fun in maths learning a song to help them with the 9x table and then applying it to their arithmetic.
Over the last few weeks, Year 6 have been developing lots of positive learning attitudes. Today, we looked at using formal methods for multiplication. Holly Class showed lots of resilience to get themselves out of the learning pit. We talked about the importance of ‘the struggle’ to help with learning. They also showed great collaboration skills to work together and work out where they had gone wrong, learning from their mistakes. Here is an example of the struggle and using purple pen to show progress.
Keep it up Holly Class – excellent attitudes and effort!
Please also see the following links for videos, which we have used in class, for extra support with short and long multiplication.
https://mathantics.com/lesson/multi-digit-multiplication-pt1
https://mathantics.com/lesson/multi-digit-multiplication-pt2
Today, we were tasked with finding things that are shorter than us. We had fun going around the classroom and standing next to objects and people. We had to use the correct language to compare, ie taller than and shorter than.
Some of us were even challenged to find objects that are half our height.
Why not find objects at home to measure.
Year 2 have been looking at measuring objects and comparing their lengths. We had to look at which was bigger 1cm or 1m and why.
We had lots of interesting conversations about the accuracy of our measuring when we measured then ordered ourselves.
Today, year 6 showed great resilience during their maths lesson. Some of the groups were focusing on converting between standard units of measure and then applied this to solving problems.
Year 2 have been looking at the value of each digit in a number. Today we built on what we already know and we have to compare different numbers and sorted them from smallest to largest.
Which is the largest 3 tens and 1 one, 29, 2 tens and 14 ones or 20+10? Maybe you can build them first to help you fin out? 
Some of the Year 5s worked hard today to order a range of decimals with 3 decimal places. They picked the numbers themselves so they challenged themselves appropriately. Great work was achieved and they showed really good collaboration figuring out the challenges with their partners.
This week, Year 6 have been looking at maths in a different way!
One of the areas we looked at was speed. Speed is not always the best way – sometimes mathematicians need to think deeply.
We played a game called 25. If you are interested – please ask your child to explain. It was a game that seemed very simple but made us think deeply about each move to ensure we won.
When we played this game, we used physical equipment, recorded it visually and with digits. All of these methods helped us think more deeply about what we were doing.
The children in Ash Class used numicon to see how many different ways they could make 11. What fantastic mathematicians!