Navigation

Welcome Guest
( Log In | Register )


> 

Is your child starting school? Find information and articles on the first year of school at Essential Kids: www.essentialkids.com.au/younger-kids/starting-school

4 Pages V   1 2 3 > »   
Reply to this topicStart new topic

> Maths in primary, Article in SMH.

V
Kay1
post 17/02/2013, 08:02 AM
Post #1
******   Posts: 13,882   Joined: 14-January 05   From: nsw  
Mum to two boys!! :O
SMH article

WDYT? I have thought that the learning outcomes for Kindy are woefully unambitious. My eldest (who is very bright) was counting to 30 easily at age 2. My 2nd who I would say is more 'average' can count to 30 now and has a year before starting school.

These low expectations in maths seem to flow through as well. DS1 is in Yr2 now and maths is still very basic. I don't think its a case of lots of kids being gifted, I just think the curriculum should expect more. In my area most school starters have typically had 2 years of high quality preschool education. Of course there will be kids who are not meeting these benchmarks and they should have lots of resources thrown at them to help them catch up. I think this is preferable to having all the other kids being made to wait a year or more to learn anything new so these kids can catch up.

I also believe (admittedly from anecdotal evidence) that kids often underperform significantly in the Best Start test....due to nerves, shyness etc.

Perhaps its just because I am the mother of a very frustrated young "mathamatishin". Tounge1.gif

This post has been edited by Kay1: 17/02/2013, 08:02 AM
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
tomson
post 17/02/2013, 08:32 AM
Post #2
***   Posts: 783   Joined: 13-October 05     
Regular Member
I agree with you - I was stunned at the level of maths presented to my first child going into year one ( NSW). It was stuff that his 4 year old sister was capable of doing. I think the expectations should be higher.

However, I would be happy with something co ordinated in place to cater for the kids that need more. This seems to be sorely lacking at the moment.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
tadpole-bean
post 17/02/2013, 08:37 AM
Post #3
**   Posts: 116   Joined: 15-September 09     
Member
I don't know why there is an urge to educate educate educate, great that they are into their numbers but they should just concentrate on letting them be kids and let them play. Let the kids lead the way if they want to explore more numbers (as if you can stop them - incidentally my LO started kinder and the article practically describes his numeracy "skill") rather then try and formulate a newer system to accommodate their talent. Don't build an unnecessary wall between the kinders.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
liveworkplay
post 17/02/2013, 08:37 AM
Post #4
*****   Posts: 5,226   Joined: 12-June 10     
+
There is a big difference between being able to count to 30 (which all three of my dd's have been able to do well before fyos) and understanding relationships between these numbers. I think the curriculum isn't perfect, but I do think a thorough understanding if the basic concepts are vital for the continued enthusiasm for learning maths, and anything else for that matter. My kids could also write simple sentences and knew all their alphabet and how to write all their letters. Doesn't mean they didn't get anything out of the literacy program. Knowing "facts" is just the starting point. Foundations are so so important. If you haven't got these completely 100% then when the work does get hard and complicated, you will have no hope of keeping up.

This post has been edited by liveworkplay: 17/02/2013, 08:43 AM
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Julie3Girls
post 17/02/2013, 08:53 AM
Post #5
******   Posts: 13,090   Joined: 9-May 03   From: Newcastle, NSW, Australia  
Julie
I don't really have a problem with the base level of the curriculum being reasonable low, particularly in the first years of primary school.
I think it is immensely important for children to get the base level understanding rock solid and if that means a slow pace, that's fine with me. I have a friend who is a teacher, in upper primary, and she has commented that some kids just seem to be missing the very basics, still "counting on" for very simply additions, rather than simply having that knowledge there.
I guess I also see the curriculum as something of a base level. This is what they must know. Bt there should be nothing stopping the teacher from teaching beyond that. The kids also do assessments at the start of each year .. Usually a spelling test, comprehension test and a maths test. If the whole class in general is ahead, that should be obvious and you teach to the class level.

That said, I do think there needs to be something in place for the more advanced kids. Not even necessarily pushing them upwards, but extending sidewards. Maybe moving into more practical applications of maths, problem solving etc.

I've actually been fairly happy with how our school has dealt with this sort of thing. Access to online programs where the child sets the pace for the work. .. Our school uses studyladder, as well as a variety of other maths programs. Allows the kids to work ahead if it suits them, and gives the teachers a good idea of which kids are advanced AND motivated/interested enough to push themselves. My dd3 in kinder last year was doing studyladder in addition to the very basic homework, easily doing grade 1 work.
In yr5 and 6, the three 5/6 classes get split for maths, into graded classes. They cover the same sort of work, but the top class is largest, middle class a bit smaller, the bottom class is significantly smaller, in order to try and give the kids struggling more individual teaching time to help them catch up. Means the general pace can be a bit faster. And the advanced class can spend some time doing some variations, or spending time on some mental maths etc, while the lower class has the teacher attention to cover the basic curriculum very solidly before all 3 classes move on to the next thing.

As for best start ... I think it is a helpful tool for some kids, and probably gives the teacher an overall view of the class in general. BUT, it can miss the mark completely for some kids. So on an individual basis, I'd prefer it if the teachers make their own judgement as they get to know the kids. Dd3 did great in best start .. She is confident, chatty, very much at home at the school that she had been visiting regularly since she was 3 months old.
Dd2 on the other hand, had speech issues, which resulted in her being very softly spoken, and very shy, and she barely said a work to her teacher in the best start. The teacher caught me a week or so later, and told me that I shouldn't even bother picking up the results, because they were just so wrong. The very average results were nowhere near her actual abilities.

This post has been edited by Julie3Girls: 17/02/2013, 09:33 AM
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Kay1
post 17/02/2013, 08:55 AM
Post #6
******   Posts: 13,882   Joined: 14-January 05   From: nsw  
Mum to two boys!! :O
QUOTE
I don't know why there is an urge to educate educate educate, great that they are into their numbers but they should just concentrate on letting them be kids and let them play. Let the kids lead the way if they want to explore more numbers (as if you can stop them - incidentally my LO started kinder and the article practically describes his numeracy "skill") rather then try and formulate a newer system to accommodate their talent. Don't build an unnecessary wall between the kinders.


Do you mean that kids are being pushed to learn this stuff before school? I know our preschool program doesn't explicitly teach any numeracy or literacy skills but my kids have still picked it up - probably due to too much tv and computer. blush.gif

QUOTE
There is a big difference between being able to count to 30 (which all three of my dd's have been able to do well before fyos) and understanding relationships between these numbers. I think the curriculum isn't perfect, but I do think a thorough understanding if the basic concepts are vital for the continued enthusiasm for learning maths, and anything else for that matter.


Yes that's a good point. I am keenly aware that as I am not an educator it is likely that I am not seeing the small important details that he is learning, which is why to date I have not pushed too hard for extension. It is a balance I guess between ensuring that all content is thoroughly understood and going over learned material too many times. At the moment I feel that the latter is happening with my son as he's lost all his passion for learning and finds everything 'boring' at school and yet at home demands maths questions instead of bedtime stories. This is something I will be addressing with his school this year.

I am pleased to hear about this new 'gifted and talented' program and even more pleased that it is going to be in action in our school this year. I just hope that it actually delivers. It will be interesting to see what happens when DS2 starts school next year as I think he will be closer to the 'norm'.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Kay1
post 17/02/2013, 08:59 AM
Post #7
******   Posts: 13,882   Joined: 14-January 05   From: nsw  
Mum to two boys!! :O
QUOTE
That said, I do think there needs to be something in place for the more advanced kids. Not even necessarily pushing them upwards, but extending sidewards. Maybe moving into more practical applications of maths, problem solving etc.


Yes exactly. I am certainly not in favour of acceleration, I think that just pushes the problem forward to the future. I have been promised this kind of sideways extension before but to date it does not really seem to be happening.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
baddmammajamma
post 17/02/2013, 09:23 AM
Post #8
******   Posts: 13,678   Joined: 10-February 08     
++
From what I've discerned from various threads on EB, some (many??) schools don't seem to be that well suited to extend sideways. Julie3Girls, it's good to hear that your school is finding ways to do so.

I would love to see more opportunities for kids who learn at a faster pace to be challenged with that type of extension. I'm not sure why some schools haven't figured out a better way to challenge advanced kids beyond simply giving them longer worksheets -- but I suspect a lot of it comes down to time & resources, as it does take both to cater to anyone who is outside the norm. It's sad that the net result is that there are kids who are losing their interest in and passion for learning.

And then there's the issue of how to deal with kids who are gifted or twice exceptional -- who process and absorb things in a different way from most of their peers...








Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
BadCat
post 17/02/2013, 09:32 AM
Post #9
******   Posts: 14,200   Joined: 8-December 08     
Shape-shifting Reptilian Overlord
I don't think it's a case of more gifted kids but rather a case of a less challenging curriculum. But then I've always thought the bar was set pretty low.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
TurtleTamer
post 17/02/2013, 09:45 AM
Post #10
***   Posts: 828   Joined: 29-January 10     
Regular Member
I thought some of the stuff my son did last year was pretty good for Kindergarten. I remember him counting by 5s and 2s and 3D shapes, I know there was a lot more but I don't remember specifically, there was some basic fractions and division I think. They expected them minimally counting up and backwards from 30 before they even started kindergarten. My current kindergartener came home doing 99+5 type maths last week and we're in what? Week 3? I don't know if that was a class thing or during testing (private school, they did their own testing this past week) but I don't think that's too bad.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

4 Pages V   1 2 3 > » 
Reply to this topicStart new topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:

 

 

Download now: Essential Kids Activity Finder app

Got bored kids? Quickly find the best activities for kids wherever you are in Australia with the Essential Kids app.

Helping families keep up-to-date

We know you're busy. That's why we've made it easier to connect with us online.

Video: Convos with my 2-year-old

It?s a simple premise: a dad re-enacts the conversations he has with his two year old daughter ? but the daughter is played by a grown man. And the results are very, very funny.

ISOFIX child seats finally approved for Aussie families

At last, a new Standards Australia revision now allows for ISOFIX child restraints.

Warning on NSW mumps outbreak

NSW Health has warned of a current outbreak of mumps across the state, urging members of the public to check their vaccination status.

Shower tragedy shows need for postnatal help

The tragic case of two young boys who died while their mother was only metres away has highlighted the need for ongoing awareness of postnatal depression.

Family cycling: options for carrying kids on bikes

Whether your child is on a special seat on your bike, is sitting in an attached trailer, or is 'helping to pedal' on a half bike, there are lots of options to keep everyone comfortable and safe while cycling as a family.

Why the Mirena IUD wasn?t right for me

For many, the Mirena IUD is a brilliant contraceptive option. For me, however, it was a dreadful mistake ? and I've since learnt I'm not alone.

The babies who sleep in boxes

In 1938, the Finnish government began giving parents-to-be packages to help them care for their babies, supplying them with clothes, nappies, and a box that could be used as the child?s bed. Today, the tradition is still going strong.

The ultrasound you can touch

In parents? ever-increasing search for the perfect memento of their pregnancy comes an ultrasound you can touch.

Losing (then refinding) my 'me'

Somewhere along the journey, someone removed my ?me? identity and replaced it with ?mum?. Here's what I've learnt about finding my 'me' again.

The Kate Winslet double standard

Gossip sites went into meltdown over news of Kate Winslet's pregnancy to her third husband. Amy Gray looks at why people judged her so harshly while so many others go unscathed.

It's time to pay our foster carers properly

Why do the ordinary people who go to extraordinary lengths to help give children a better life often end up out of pocket?

Lisa Curry trying for a baby at 51

Lisa Curry may be 51 years old, but she?s not letting that get in the way of trying for a baby.

Free: 'The First Year' ebook

Check out our new interactive ebook, part of the brand new SMH Shortbooks series, for free!

 
Advertisement
 
Advertisement
 
 
 

Competitions

Win a Safety 1st Custodian Plus car seat and travel pack

You can win a Safety 1st car seat featuring Air Protect side-impact technology and a travel pack, valued at $290.

Win a Cosmopolitan pram from Mountain Buggy

You could win the stylish 4WD Cosmopolitan pram from Mountain Buggy, valued at $799.

Jay Laga'aia 'Ten in the Bed' giveaway

You could win one of 10 copies of the album Ten in the Bed by Jay Laga'aia.

Win a Babyography voucher!

You could win 1 of 4 $50 vouchers to spend at babyography.net.au.

 

It's party time!

Planning the perfect party?

Find everything you need to plan your next kids party. Essential Kids has ideas for kids party themes, free printable invites, cake ideas and tips for party games.

Featured Promotions
 
 
Advertisement
 
 
RSS Lo-Fi Version
Skin by IPB Customize
Time is now: 20/06/2013

 
Essential Baby and Essential Kids is the place to find parenting information and parenting support relating to conception, pregnancy, birth, babies, toddlers, kids, maternity, family budgeting, family travel, nutrition and wellbeing, family entertainment, kids entertainment, tips for the family home, child-friendly recipes and parenting. Try our pregnancy due date calculator to determine your due date, or our ovulation calculator to predict ovulation and your fertile period. Our pregnancy week by week guide shows your baby's stages of development. Access our very active mum's discussion groups in the Essential Baby forums or the Essential Kids forums to talk to mums about conception, pregnancy, birth, babies, toddlers, kids and parenting lifestyle. Essential Baby also offers a baby names database of more than 22,000 baby names, popular baby names, boys' names, girls' names and baby names advice in our baby names forum. Essential Kids features a range of free printable worksheets for kids from preschool years through to primary school years. For the latest baby clothes, maternity clothes, maternity accessories, toddler products, kids toys and kids clothing, breastfeeding and other parenting resources, check out Essential Baby and Essential Kids.