2nd April 2013
EDU 330 (Maths)- Day Two

Today lesson covers on the use of numbers, counting and addition. Two  rather interesting activities were conducted. The first was to figure out the numbers of paper clips in 5 similar sized cans. Here the idea was for us to estimate the numbers of paper clips in each can. During break time, we had opportunity to shake the bottle to figure out how many clips there were in each bottle. An additional bottle with the number 3(benchmark) was placed together. My group members and I took turns to shake the bottles, using the labelled can 3 as a benchmark. We work out that :

Which Can?          How many clips?
      C                             Nil
      E                               1
      A                               2
benchmark                      3
      B                               4
      D                               5


I learnt that when giving children instructions in maths, we need to be careful how we  use the correct terms with them. Bruner has mentioned, children learns best when there is concrete experiences. Using real objects helps to illustrate the concept to children better.

The other activities we did was to solve a problem sum; 8 + 6. We had a card (with frame drawn) and some beans. We hade to think of many possible ways to add the two numbers. There was three ways of solving the problem. They are part/whole , word/ noun used and before/after problem.


For subtraction of numbers such as 14-9, there are several ways we can show children how to solve the problem . Firstly by doing:

-the bridging-by subtracting a small number from another number e.g. subtract to the nearest 10 and then subtract the remaining part e.g. 14-9 = 14-5-4 =10-4 = 5

-Counting back/forth- best done visually. We could use a number line to do the counting.

-Compensation effect- when the number taking away is close to the round number usually '10' e.g
   10-9  use 14-10 and then add back 1 to give  4 + 1 = 5 (the answer).

-Formal and Informal method-When we subtract by  'borrowing' from the tenths or counting with our fingers or using concrete objects. Which would be most appropriate for young children.