Is my expectation wrong

Toarrie · 2024-03-29T08:55:05+00:00

I’m finding it difficult to know what is expected for maths for my year 1 DC. I’ve been thinking (internally not letting them know) that they are struggling as they can’t do subtraction between 10 and 20 in their head. But I was speaking to another parent who mentioned doing their sums using a number line. We haven’t been using a number line as I thought they had to do them mentally? So have I been expecting too much, maybe DC isn’t struggling as much as I thought? Should we be using a number line?

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MumOfStarWars · 29/03/2024 09:12

Maths is taught very visually these days, a far cry from the chalk and blackboard and only one method you had to learn to solve the problem! I’ve worked as a KS1 TA and yes, number lines, number grids, “chips and peas” (10s sticks and 1s bricks), loads of coloured counters, tens and fives frames are all commonplace in a KS1 classroom so that each child can visualise the methods and find a way that works for them. The fact that your DC can’t subtract between 10 and 20 at this stage really isn’t an issue, all children learn at different speeds. Some just get it, others take a little longer. And that’s ok! The most important thing you can do is keep it visual and keep it fun. Try and use every days tasks at home as a way to teach subtraction… great way to teach without teaching!

Original poster

Toarrie · 29/03/2024 09:16

Great. DC loves learning so that part isn’t an issue. They can do subtraction no bother with visual aids it is just mentally. Hopefully it will just click one day.

OP posts:

RoseMoose · 29/03/2024 09:16

I teach year 5.
We still use number lines, bar models, part part whole models in year 5. We also still use counters, cubes, base 10/diennes.
Maths in primary school is very focused on understanding the hows and whys not on finding the answer.

Comff · 29/03/2024 09:18

Regardless of whether you ‘should’ or not; if your child is struggling with an element of maths always use a visual resource to solidify the concept for them. They’ll gain a better understanding of it that way rather than just ploughing on struggling. And it will mean at a later date they will then be able to do it mentally.

opalsandcoffee · 29/03/2024 09:20

MumOfStarWars · 29/03/2024 09:12

Maths is taught very visually these days, a far cry from the chalk and blackboard and only one method you had to learn to solve the problem! I’ve worked as a KS1 TA and yes, number lines, number grids, “chips and peas” (10s sticks and 1s bricks), loads of coloured counters, tens and fives frames are all commonplace in a KS1 classroom so that each child can visualise the methods and find a way that works for them. The fact that your DC can’t subtract between 10 and 20 at this stage really isn’t an issue, all children learn at different speeds. Some just get it, others take a little longer. And that’s ok! The most important thing you can do is keep it visual and keep it fun. Try and use every days tasks at home as a way to teach subtraction… great way to teach without teaching!

these days? These methods are centuries old! and still work - OP your child is completely normal

Bluevelvetsofa · 29/03/2024 09:48

Number lines, bricks, rods and all the other visual aids have been in use since Adam was a lad. Anything that secures learning is good.