Mathematics is one of those essential skills that help us navigate our daily lives, and our Year 3/4 students have been exploring just how valuable it is! This term, they have been focusing on key mathematical concepts, including telling the time, completing balanced equations, and making reasonable estimations. These foundational skills not only enhance their numeracy abilities but also build confidence in problem-solving and logical thinking.

One of the key areas of learning has been telling the time. A fun activity was trying to guess exactly how long a minute took without seeing a stopwatch, or how much we could achieve in a minute! Did you know around the earth, 1000kgs of popcorn is eaten every minute? Understanding how to read clocks allows us to manage our daily routines effectively. Whether it’s calculating the duration of activities or understanding schedules, mastering time-telling is a skill we will use throughout our lives.

Another important focus has been completing balanced equations. For example, 34+22= 100-44. Through hands-on activities such as creating ‘2 Truths and a Lie’ balanced equations, we aimed to test the skills of our peers. In doing so, we have learned how to manipulate numbers to maintain balance, deepening our understanding of mathematical relationships.

Additionally, once a week, our classes come together for some deeper problem-solving questions. A focus has been on sharpening our estimation skills. If you were to see a ‘Guess How Many Lollies’ jar, would you have a strategy in estimating how many lollies there were? Being able to make reasonable estimations is crucial for making quick mental calculations and checking the accuracy of answers. From estimating the number of objects in a group to approximating measurements, students are learning how to apply their mathematical knowledge in real-world contexts.

By recognising the significance of all these mathematical skills, our students are building a strong foundation for their future. We are proud of their enthusiasm and progress and look forward to seeing them continue to grow as confident mathematicians!