This document provides information about how math is taught to students in Years 3-6. It discusses using interactive teaching, mental calculation, and problem solving. The aims are for students to do math mentally when possible and use written methods efficiently. Students need a strong foundation in place value, number bonds, times tables, addition/subtraction strategies like number lines and partitioning. Efficient written methods for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are introduced, moving from expanded to compact forms. Key skills from earlier years are reviewed to ensure students are prepared for the upper primary curriculum.

1. Welcome
Maths in Year 3,4 5 and 6
Parents Information
Meeting

2. How we teach.
What’s different?
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•
•
•
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Interactive teaching
Emphasis on mental calculation
Different approach to written calculation
Maths through problem solving
We DO have text books!!
Maths is fun!

3. Our Aims
The aim is for children to do mathematics in
their heads, and if the numbers are too large,
to use pencil and paper to avoid losing track.
To do this children need to learn quick and
efficient methods, including appropriate
written and mental methods.

4. We want children to be
able to ask themselves
questions.
• Can I do this in my head?
• Can I do this in my head using drawings or
jottings?
• Do I need to use an expanded/compact written
method?
• Do I need a calculator?
•
Finally – is my answer sensible?

5. Key Skills Learnt in FS/Y1 and Y2
Children need to have a sound foundation in
Early Years and Year 1 and 2 maths to be able to
access the curriculum in Years 3,4,5 and 6
It is essential they know:
• Number bonds- two numbers that when
added together make 10, 20, 30 etc
• Times tables 2,5,10
• Adding multiples of 10 with ease

6. Place Value
Know the value of every digit that makes up a
number.
It’s essential to understanding all number
operations.
When the children move onto formal compact
calculations (as you are more familiar with) they
MUST have this knowledge so they can check for
sensible answers.

7. Partitioning
Once children understand place value they can
partition a number efficiently.
Partitioning of numbers is key to all the
strategies used in Primary maths.

8. Numberlines for addition and
subtraction
• In years 1 and 2 we use consecutive numbers
numberlines
• In years 3-6 children still use the counting up
and back strategies but often on EMPTY
numberlines.

9. 25 + 47 =
Use the counting up method!!
+20
+3
47
67
+2
70 72
So we start at the biggest number…47
And count up 25 places
What number do we end on???
So….
25 + 47 =
72

10. ?
+ 34 = 57
Use the Counting Up Strategy
Remember -You need to think about:
What number shall I start with on my
number line?
What number do we want to count up by?
Are there any number bonds that can help
me?

11. + 34 = 57
+10
+10
34
+3
44
54
34
So what is
10 + 10 + 3 = 23
So…..
23
+
34 = 57
57
57

12. Children are taught to
understand subtraction as
taking away (counting back)
and finding the difference
(counting up).

13. Can I use the counting up strategy for
Subtraction too?
YES
Have a look at this question!
43 – 27 =
16
What number shall I start from on my number line?
What number do I want to get to?
What number shall count on by?
Can any number bond make counting on easier for me?
+10
27
10 + 3 + 3 = 16
+3
37
+3
40
43

14. - 285 = 39
+
+
285
300

15. Addition and Subtraction toward an
efficient method
•Numberlines are a time
consuming method
•We need to look at more
efficient methods next

16. 45 + 36 =
There are 45 boys in a school and 36
girls. How many altogether?
Children should partition (split) each number
into tens and units.
45 + 36
40 5
30 6
40 + 30 = 70
5 + 6 = 11
70 + 11 = 81

17. Expanded column addition
358 + 473 =
358
+ 473
11
120
700
831

18. 54 - 38 =
There are 54 children in a school and 38
are poorly. How many are left at school?
Children should partition (split) each number
into tens and units.
54 - 38
30 8
54 - 30 = 24
24 - 8 = 16

19. A sports stadium holds 9010 spectators. 5643
people attend a football match. How many
empty seats are there?
+ 57
5643
5700
+300
+3010
6000
9010
5643
3367 empty seats
5700
6000
9010
57
+300
+3010
3367

20. Expanded Column Subtraction
74 – 23 = ?
663 – 378 = ?
500
150
50
13
70
4
600
60 3
- 20
3
- 300
70 8
200
80 5
50
1 = 51
= 285

21. Compact subtraction
45
- 36
750 - 567

22. Multiplication

32. Division