Source of the Week: reflective symmetry

There is quite a lot of work in the year 6 on symmetry and the subject often comes in the key stage 2 SATs.

This number includes important vocabulary and by the end of the year 6 children must know and be able to read, write and use the following quite tricky words:

Mirror, line of symmetry, line symmetry, symmetrical, reflect, reflection, translation, axis of symmetry, reflective symmetry.

They must also be able for symmetry with the help of a mirror and by folding testing.

Children are expected to outline the reflection of a simple form in a line of the mirror where no or only a part of the shape's edges parallel or perpendicular to the line of the mirror.

This might seem simple, but actually prove problematic to many children. A small mirror or tracing paper can be a great help with this.

Year 6 maths worksheet: reflective symmetry

Year 6 equivalent fractions

Here is another page of equivalent fractions. A part of each pair of fractions is missing and the missing numerator or denominator should be entered. Remember, equivalent fractions are fractions that have the same total value.

One interesting way to check whether two groups equivalent is to perform a couple of multiplications; What is known as cross multiplication. To verify that a/b is equal to c/d just multiply a by d, and then (b) multiplying c. If the two answers are equal then the fractions equivalent. This is a really good way to check to see if the answers are correct.

Equivalent fractions (pg 2)

Year 5 mathematics: written multiplication

Here we have a second page questions that an intermediate step in the progress in the development of an efficient, standard written method of multiplication. It assumes a good knowledge of tables before you start.

This method breaks the task in four parts. For example, when multiplying 538 by 4, the four parts are:

1. the multiplication of 500 by 4

2. the multiplication of 30 at 4

3. multiplying 8 by 4.

4. Add the four answers to reach the final answer.

While this is a good method I prefer to work in the reverse order of starting with the units, then the trans-European networks and finally the hundreds, although if the child understand what happens it makes little real difference.

Multiply a number by a 3 digit number 1 digit (2)

Year 1 mathematics resources

All worksheets mathematics for year 1 must be found by clicking on the link for free math worksheets at the top of the page. The worksheets are organized into categories according to the directives of the primary framework for mathematics, although this is now revised.

The categories are:

Counting and number: watching small numbers in steps of one count and write numbers.

Some facts to know: count on and back in two and knowing addition facts to 5.

Calculation: including small numbers, and an introduction to add money

Understanding form: in this stage recognition of triangles, rectangles and squares, as well as the introduction of some 3D shapes

Measuring: using non-default measures and compare

Treatment data: mainly creating lists

Using and applying mathematics: number of stories and investigations.

While there is a significant amount of here is that it is next to nothing compared to the URBrainy site the best that I found online, with more than 1,700 colorful pages of mathematics for the year 1 is have, including full answers.

Go to our year 1 mathematics resources

Mathematics resources: Written addition

One of the most popular parts of the site for parents is our free math worksheets: four rules pages on written addition.

Many parents think that the methods they learned at school (and for many this would in the 1990s) different from today. This is only partially true. Since the beginning of the numeracy strategy and later that the primary framework for mathematics has been the emphasis on the preparation of children so they understand the written methods that they use. There's a lot of preparatory work and methods, often called "the pursuit of the standard written method ' so that cannot be known to parents, but the end result is pretty much the same. It is this intermediate stages which some parents find puzzling.

The default method is written the layout the sum vertically, with numbers will be added under each other. The units are added first, then the trans-European networks and so on. We have several worksheets to illuminate this method completely.

Go to written methods of addition

Fast printing: chart, grids, and Dot paper

Can't make it to your stationary shop? Some isometric paper needed? graph paper? grid paper? No worries, it's okay here. Four grids per page or per a grid page, you will find some quick PDF is printed here. dotted grids with or without numbers, everything to your homework needs is here, only thing needed is your printer and paper.

Building better Math teachers

Many educational jurisdictions have school improvement programmes in place to improve the overall performance in mathematics., however, what does this look like?

A change in curriculum? A change in the developmental sequence of concepts learned? Hiring more qualified teachers? Larger blocks of time spent on teaching mathematics?Providing professional development to existing mathematics teacher?

A professor and Chairman of mathematics education in the Faculty of education, Dr. Brent Davis has a few answers, I am inclined to support. Davis claims "We can build a better math teacher." "But it's more about the fascinating Deconstructing concepts than about learning more advanced math or involved in solving problems with each other." Science daily.

Teachers who work with teachers in support of the evidence and research-based strategies takes time and money, but it seems that the benefits are there, but all too often that a teacher wants to learn in the way they were taught, however with the support, mentoring and ongoing professional development, it seems we may ' build better teachers. "