Place Value

Algebra is a critical aspect of mathematics which provides the means to calculate unknown values. According to Bednarz, Kieran and Lee (as cited in Chick & Harris, 2007), there are three basic concepts of simple algebra: the generalisation of patterns, the understanding of numerical laws and functional situations. The understanding of these concepts by children will have an enormous bearing on their future mathematical capacity. However, conveying these algebraic concepts to children can be difficult due to the abstract symbolic nature of the math that will initially be foreign to the children. Furthermore, each child’s ability to recall learned numerical laws is vital to their proficiency in problem solving and mathematical confidence. It is obvious that teaching algebra is not a simple task. Therefore, the importance of quality early exposure to fundamental algebraic concepts is of significant importance to allow all

The aims and importance of learning provision for numeracy development are to ensure all students understand that maths is a vital part of everyday life and will continue to be used throughout their life. Primary schools will teach students to learn various methods and techniques to be able to reach the correct answer. The end goal means more students will be able to solve a mathematical problem, independently, using a method that suits them. They can then develop their learning to improve their knowledge and apply it to real life situations; such as counting in groups of numbers such as 5’s or 10’s, which in turn can be applied when paying for

Numeracy development is important for all children as maths is an important part of everyday life. The way in which maths is taught has changed greatly over the years. When I was at school we were taught one method to reach one answer. Now, particularly in early primary phase, children are taught different methods to reach an answer, which includes different methods of working out and which also develops their investigation skills. For example, by the time children reach year six, the different methods they would have been taught for addition would be number lines,

The following child study is divided into two components discussing aspects of place value as a concept taught in mathematics education. Component A introduces the topic by discussing the significance of interview style assessment, followed by discussion on the importance and teaching of place value. Misconceptions and difficulties surrounding place value learning are also described. Component B focuses on an individuals understanding of place value through the use of an interview and tutoring sessions.

Today we will be learning about place value. When we divide numbers with three and four digits by a one digit number, the quotient doesn’t always go about the first number in the dividend like we saw yesterday. This is important to know because if you had to split $100 with your sister and you divided $100 by 2 and placed the 5 above the 1, then added two zeros, you would have to pay your sister $500. That’s not dividing, or fair. Remember we need to know how to divide so you can evenly split something, like money.”

My goal is to assess student’s prior knowledge of division and to teach students how division can be modeled by using place-value blocks so students can see that division consists of arranging items into equal groups. My goal for day one is to help students develop and understanding of division through the use of manipulatives and drawings so when they transfer that knowledge to day two, students will have a better sense that division consists of dividing a large number into equal groups. By using place-value blocks I also want students to visually see what a remainder looks like so they can better understand what a remainder represents. Sometimes students can’t understand the definition of a remainder which is the part that is left over after

Every day, mathematics is used in our lives. From playing sports or games to cooking, these activities require the use of mathematical concepts. For young children, mathematical learning opportunities are all around them. Knaus (2013) states that ‘Young children are naturally curious and eager to learn about their surroundings and the world they live in’ (pg.1). Children, young and old, and even adults, learn when they explore, play and investigate. By being actively involved, engaging in activities that are rich, meaningful, self-directed and offer problem solving opportunities, children given the chance to make connections with their world experiences (Yelland, Butler & Diezmann, 1999). As an educator of young children,

Understanding place value is integral to mathematics, and is especially for addition and subtraction. Being able to easily rearrange numbers between place values is required for most addition and subtraction problems. Part of grasping place value is being able to unitize. Fosnot and Dolk explain unitizing to be “a child’s construction of the logic to think of 10 flexibly as ten 1’s or as one unit of 10” (Taylor, Breck, & Aljets, 2004, p. 140). Unitizing is what makes “borrowing” in subtraction possible. If a problem is 32 – 16, one of the three tens must be broken up into units in order to subtract; being able to see 32 as 3 tens and 2 ones and as 2 tens and 12 ones is what makes the problem possible. Place value and unitizing have much to do with a comprehension of base ten, but they are not exclusive to base ten. For example, one could apply the idea of place value and unitizing to base five. The number 18510 would be written as 12205. The place values would then be 125, 25, 5, and 1 (instead of 1000, 100, 10, and 1), and 12205 would be understood as one 125, two 25s, and two 5s. Unitizing would allow for someone to

The teacher will explain to students the meaning of why they need to know numbers.

The National curriculum states that in Mathematics teachers should use every relevant subject to develop pupils’ mathematical fluency. Confidence in numeracy and other mathematical skills is

For pupils to use a calculator effectively requires a sound knowledge of number. As children learn how to enter simple one step calculations that involve whole numbers, they can explore

Hurst and Hurrell (2014) explain that children need to be acutely aware of the ten times multiplicative relationship between places and how this effects many aspects of mathematics.

Multiplication by ten gives students opportunity to explore larger numbers, and can also be extended on(Reys et al. ch. 11.4). In addition, multiples of 10 give students the knowledge that all digits move left one place and an additional place hundreths. This concept can be used to introduce the decimal place which is also moving place each time something is multiplied by tens. Exposing students to a range of examples which displays patterns that occur when multiplying by tens and hundreths will generate meaning of digits moving place (Reys et al., ch. 11.4).

Maths is ubiquitous in our lives, but depending on the learning received as a child it could inspire or frighten. If a child has a negative experience in mathematics, that experience has the ability to affect his/her attitude toward mathematics as an adult. Solso (2009) explains that math has the ability to confuse, frighten, and frustrate learners of all ages; Math also has the ability to inspire, encourage and achieve. Almost all daily activities include some form of mathematical procedure, whether people are aware of it or not. Possessing a solid learning foundation for math is vital to ensure a lifelong understanding of math. This essay will discuss why it is crucial to develop in children the ability to tackle problems with initiative and confidence (Anghileri, 2006, p. 2) and why mathematics has changed from careful rehearsal of standard procedures to a focus on mathematical thinking and communication to prepare them for the world of tomorrow (Anghileri).

Mathematics, like every creation of man, have evolved without really knowing how far you can get with them: the scope of the computer, physics, chemistry, algebra, all are evidence of this. Every aspect of our culture is based in some way or another in Mathematics: language, music, dance, art, sculpture, architecture, biology, daily life. All these areas of measurements and calculations are accurate. Even in nature, everything follows a precise pattern and a precise order: a flower, a shell, a butterfly, day and night, the seasons. All this makes mathematics essential for human life and they can not be limited only to a matter within the school curriculum; here lies the importance of teaching math in a pleasure, enjoyable and understandable way. Mathematics is an aid to the development of the child and should be seen as an aid to life and not as an obstacle in their lifes.