Confidence in number knowledge

Game-based situations can be a fun and effective way for students to practise mathematical concepts and memorise basic facts. Games provide an interactive and engaging learning environment that can help students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

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Game based learning

Room 15 have been playing Rob the Nest where they are able to apply their one to one counting between the numbers of 1 to 20 in a fun way. 

They have found that if they are all trying to move the balls and count them at the same time as another student then they might not be able to count all of the balls correctly. Students have been working together to count all of the balls one by one. They then show the teacher and the other teams how many balls they have on their fingers.

We have been playing rob the nest and we count the balls after to see what team has the most

We counted 7 tennis balls. We won that game!

I learnt to count the balls and showed we had 6 balls on my fingers.

We had 4 balls and Miss Robinson asked us how many more we needed to get to 5. I said 1 and she gave us 1 more so we had 5!

They have also been using games and pair activities to make bonds to five with objects. Students were given a different amount of plastic animals each. Their job was to make sure they had 5 plastic animals between them and their buddy. They could have 3 plastic animals and pair up with someone who had 2 plastic animals. They had to do this quickly in order to beat the other teams.

I had 4 animals and Braxton had 1 so together we had five. Taika
I had to make sure Kyran and I had 5 animals altogether. Sophie
I had 4 animals and Braxton had 1 so together we had five. Taika
I had to make sure Kyran and I had 5 animals altogether. Sophie

These games are helping Room 15 to become more confident with their knowledge of counting and ordering numbers to solve simple problems. Students are given the opportunity to self assess and complete a task independently. If they need help, they can ask  their peers or the teacher. They are encouraged to ask questions to clarify their understanding and also use a variety of strategies to solve problems. 

For example, the improved confidence to use one to one counting has meant that students can double check to make sure their answers are correct.

I used the animals to make sure I had 5 all together. Brody
It was hard to make the ladybug equal 5. I had help from Miss Robinson and I counted the dots on the ladybug so it made 5. Luca
I found it a bit hard to order numbers so I worked with Miss Robinson and it was easy after that. Harvey
I was trying to find number 1 because it was the smallest number. Max
I am ordering numbers from 1 to 20. Kyran
I can count to 20 in order by connecting the dots. Taika

By providing a range of hands-on activities students have gained an understanding of mathematical concepts appropriate for Year One.


2024 Robinson

Codie Robinson

I'm an adventurous person who loves spending time outdoors, camping, hunting, and fishing. When I'm not exploring the wilderness, you can often find me at the gym, where I enjoy staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Growing up in a small rural town in Stratford, Taranaki, I learned to appreciate the simple things in life and developed a strong connection to nature.

After finishing high school, I decided to move to Rotorua, where I studied by distance learning to be a teacher. My partner and I have relocated to Taupō, and we are excited to explore everything this beautiful town has to offer.

I am thrilled to be embarking on this chapter in my teaching career and look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of my students at Wairakei Primary School.

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