Gwaunmeisgyn Primary School
Maths support for parents
Year 1
Dear Parents/Guardians
We have put together this pack outlining the objectives your child is
working towards this year, and the strategies we teach to help them meet
those objectives. Within this pack you will find objectives, examples of
each strategy taught and web-site links to reinforce these strategies
which can be used by your child at home. We have also included a
number of ways in which you can incorporate maths into everyday life
bringing the learning to life for your child.
A lot of emphasis in Mathematics teaching is placed on using mental
calculations where possible, using jottings to help support thinking. As
children progress through the school and are taught more formal written
methods, they are still encouraged to think about mental strategies they
could use first and only use written methods for those calculations they
cannot solve in their heads. It is important that children are secure with
number bonds (adding numbers together and subtracting them e.g. 106=4, 13+7=20) and have a good understanding of place value (tens and
units etc.) before embarking on formal written methods.
Discussing the efficiency and suitability of different strategies is an
important part of maths lessons. Explaining strategies and processes
orally helps to develop the use of appropriate mathematical vocabulary.
When faced with a calculation problem, encourage your child to ask:
Can I do this in my head?
Could I do this in my head using drawings or jottings to help me?
Do I need to use a written method?
Should I use a calculator?
Also help your child to estimate and then check the answer.
Encourage them to ask whether the answer is sensible.
We hope you find this useful and as your child moves through the school
you will receive updated versions of this for you to keep up with their
learning.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s
class teacher.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Jan Morgan
Mr Mark O’Brien
Year 1
In year one, we use number lines to show the value of a number, and
where it belongs. We look at sequences, counting in ones and twos and
adding and subtracting using a number line.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
We use number squares to help us to see patterns in numbers (adding
and subtracting ten or counting in twos). We also look at patterns with
odd and even numbers. Number squares are useful for children to add
two digit numbers together or subtract larger numbers.
In year one, we also use blank number squares to encourage children to
count in up in 2s or 10s and to fill in as many numbers as they can in a
given time. This helps them to practise their number formation.
Year 1
Objective
To understand that the place a number sits in tells us what the number is
worth. We call this place value.
Strategies
We use this character called Squiggleworth, a number is written in his
tummy and the value of the numbers written on his feet. We call this
partitioning and the children can use this technique to help in many areas
of maths
Objective
Add or subtract mentally combinations of one digit and two digit numbers.
Strategies
To add one digit numbers children are encouraged to use their fingers to
count on from the largest number.
4+3=
To add 2 digit numbers children are to partition the numbers into tens
and units and then add.
To subtract one digit numbers children are to count backwards using
fingers.
Ensure the children count backwards from the next number.
27 – 4 = 23
Objective
To know number bonds to ten and twenty.
Strategies
It is important for all children to know their number bonds in order for
them to make progress in numeracy. We practise our number bonds
throughout the week in a range of different ways. We talk about jigsaw
numbers, numbers that fit together to make ten or twenty.
1+9=10
2+8=10
3+7=10
4+6=10
5+5=10
Practise number facts to ten - if I have 5 sweets, how many more do I
need to make 10?
Once children have consolidated their number bonds to ten, we move on
to 20. Here we practise just adding a 10 before one of the numbers:
1+9=10
2+8=10
3+7=10
4+6=10
11+9=20
12+8=20
13+7=20
14+6=20
Objective
Develop and use written methods to record, support or explain addition
and subtraction.
Strategies
We use our number line or counters to work out the sum, and then we
show our sum in a number sentence:
5 + 5 = 10
We need to understand that:
+ is add or altogether
- is take away or subtract
= is equals
Web-site links Year 1
Many of the children will recognise areas of these websites as they are
often used in the classroom to consolidate the children’s learning.
https://www.sites.google.com/site/mathsghost13/
This website fits in with many of the Big Maths strategies used in the
classroom
http://www.amblesideprimary.com/ambleweb/mentalmaths/numberbond.
html
http://www.ictgames.com/save_the_whale_v4.html
Number bond games.
http://www.comberps.newtownards.ni.sch.uk/maths_games_for_ks1.htm
Practising counting, time and shape.
http://www.familylearning.org.uk/counting_games.html
http://durham.schooljotter.com/coxhoe/Curriculum+Links/Numeracy
Broken down into the different areas of maths. This web-site has many
links to other sites, plus a large number of maths games and activities.
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/maths/
Each specific area of maths has a number of different games to play to
practice maths skills.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/websites/4_11/topic/numeracy.shtml
A general web-site covering various different maths topics.
http://www.mathsisfun.com/
This site has teaching methods, games and activities ranging from basic
counting up to more complex methods.
http://www.mathszone.co.uk/
Helping at home
Year 1
o When out shopping encourage your child to calculate the total price of 2
items and how much change they may get.
o Ask your child to count how much money you have, and calculate
whether you have enough or not.
o When cooking ask your child to measure or weigh given amounts to
allow them to practice reading scales.
o For football fans, read the sport results in newspapers and ask
questions regarding total goals, points, how many more are needed, the
difference between 2 scores etc.
o Read, add, subtract, multiply numbers children may find on vehicle
number plates as you travel round.
o Encourage your child to read the time as often as possible, this not only
helps them to learn to read a clock but also gives them a concept of time.
o Many games such as scrabble and darts help children to develop their
maths skills.
o Finally whenever you use maths in the home or out and about discuss
this with your child in order for them to see and share in its relevance.