Foundation Stage Curriculum - Mathematical Development

[M&S]

All,

DS started in Reception in September and we've just been to our first
parent's evening - bless!

He's doing well, and has settled in well, and we were given a chance to look
at his 'work'.

I was suprised at the 'lack' of Mathematical development there was compared
to 'Writing' that we are doing at home. DS has a 'sounds book' and we are
going through the Jolly Phonics system a new letter every Mon, Weds and
Friday. We happily do these at home, writing the letters/sounds and then
drawing a picture of something that begins with that sound.

We have not done any 'Mathematical Development' shapes, numbers,
measurement, pattern etc. at home at all, and only 1 little section of his
school workbook was completed.

Can anybody recommend a suitable book/s that we can work on at home?

TIA

S (mum to James 4 3/4)

[Welches]

Post by M&S
All,
DS started in Reception in September and we've just been to our first
parent's evening - bless!
He's doing well, and has settled in well, and we were given a chance to
look at his 'work'.
I was suprised at the 'lack' of Mathematical development there was
compared to 'Writing' that we are doing at home. DS has a 'sounds book'
and we are going through the Jolly Phonics system a new letter every Mon,
Weds and Friday. We happily do these at home, writing the letters/sounds
and then drawing a picture of something that begins with that sound.
We have not done any 'Mathematical Development' shapes, numbers,
measurement, pattern etc. at home at all, and only 1 little section of his
school workbook was completed.
Can anybody recommend a suitable book/s that we can work on at home?

#1's school doesn't really do "homework" other than reading book in year R.
The "homework" in year 1 &2 is handwriting a a very simple maths worksheet
(record for completing is 90 seconds) or maths game and in year 2 also a
spelling list.
Personally I think that at infant level, and probably junior too, that
reading is enough homework.

However, if you are wanting a work book, then go to Woolies, WHSmiths or a
reasonable size bookshop and they should have several for you to choose
from. My pair both have enjoyed the gold star ones as they get stickers with
them.
They generally go into the catagories "ready for maths" (age 3-4: patterns,
shape recognition, some counting etc.) "adding and take away" (age 4-5:
usually one digit numbers) "times tables" (age 5-6: usually one table at a
time).
My children enjoy the books, but if I'm actually wanting them to learn
something it's usually better for me to do a worksheet on the computer.

They may do a lot more maths orally at school. If they're only learning
their letters at present, then they may not be expected to be able to write
the numbers, which makes written maths harder.

At this stage they're not so much worried about what they learn as teaching
them to be ready to learn. (sitting still, putting a hand up, listening to
instructions etc.) In year R the emphasis is a lot of "learning through
play" and they do more formal learning in year 1. Some children find the
transition to year 1 harder than to year R for that reason.

Hope that helps:
Debbie

[M&S]

Thanks Debbie - I had some of those star books lined up ready to do and we
never did it because he wasn't really interested and I didn't want to push
it.

I'm amazed with his progress in letter formation etc. in just a few weeks.

I've heard a rumour though that 3 children has been suspended in YR, one for
spitting at a TA, one for climbing on the apparatus in assemb;y and I don't
know what the other one was for!!!

There is quite a big social divide at our school, and Ive had my thoughts
turned around from horrified to thinking that it was actually quite a good
school - but now this!!! Would you ask the Head Teacher whether the rumours
are true?

S

Post by Welches

Post by M&S
All,
DS started in Reception in September and we've just been to our first
parent's evening - bless!
He's doing well, and has settled in well, and we were given a chance to
look at his 'work'.
I was suprised at the 'lack' of Mathematical development there was
compared to 'Writing' that we are doing at home. DS has a 'sounds book'
and we are going through the Jolly Phonics system a new letter every Mon,
Weds and Friday. We happily do these at home, writing the letters/sounds
and then drawing a picture of something that begins with that sound.
We have not done any 'Mathematical Development' shapes, numbers,
measurement, pattern etc. at home at all, and only 1 little section of
his school workbook was completed.
Can anybody recommend a suitable book/s that we can work on at home?

#1's school doesn't really do "homework" other than reading book in year
R. The "homework" in year 1 &2 is handwriting a a very simple maths
worksheet (record for completing is 90 seconds) or maths game and in year
2 also a spelling list.
Personally I think that at infant level, and probably junior too, that
reading is enough homework.
However, if you are wanting a work book, then go to Woolies, WHSmiths or a
reasonable size bookshop and they should have several for you to choose
from. My pair both have enjoyed the gold star ones as they get stickers
with them.
patterns, shape recognition, some counting etc.) "adding and take away"
(age 4-5: usually one digit numbers) "times tables" (age 5-6: usually one
table at a time).
My children enjoy the books, but if I'm actually wanting them to learn
something it's usually better for me to do a worksheet on the computer.
They may do a lot more maths orally at school. If they're only learning
their letters at present, then they may not be expected to be able to
write the numbers, which makes written maths harder.
At this stage they're not so much worried about what they learn as
teaching them to be ready to learn. (sitting still, putting a hand up,
listening to instructions etc.) In year R the emphasis is a lot of
"learning through play" and they do more formal learning in year 1. Some
children find the transition to year 1 harder than to year R for that
reason.
Debbie

[Welches]

Post by M&S
Thanks Debbie - I had some of those star books lined up ready to do and we
never did it because he wasn't really interested and I didn't want to push
it.
I'm amazed with his progress in letter formation etc. in just a few weeks.
I've heard a rumour though that 3 children has been suspended in YR, one
for spitting at a TA, one for climbing on the apparatus in assemb;y and I
don't know what the other one was for!!!
There is quite a big social divide at our school, and Ive had my thoughts
turned around from horrified to thinking that it was actually quite a good
school - but now this!!! Would you ask the Head Teacher whether the
rumours are true?

I wouldn't ask the head teacher, I'm not sure you'll get a straight answer
anyway.

I would also be amazed if a child was suspended just ofr climbing the
apparatus in assembly, particularly in Year R, but I can't see it coming
from just that offence even higher up the school. I also can't see a child
having caused enough problems in one month for it to be the last straw!!
Even spitting at a TA, I'd be skeptical that it'd merit suspension at that
age. It's pretty rare to suspend an anfant school child and I can't see it
happening in the first half term unless possibly if they're trying to get
extra help for them, and even then I'd be doubtful.
If it is true, then it might actually be a good sign in that they are doing
their best at discipline.

Bet you're glad you're not going for the whole year party for his
birthday...

I'm choosing junior schools for #1 at the moment. (#2 starts infant school
but that's no issue). We're favouring the further away one but I'm not sure
we can do it practically. Pity we don't have primary schools round here.

Debbie

[M&S]

Ah Debbie, we might not be going for the whole year party, but 2 of the
'supposidly' naughty kids are invited.

THis will sound snobby however I write it, but it's taught me a lesson so I
want people to see it as a positive - please!!!:0)

James wanted to invite 2 of the 'unsavouries' to his party. I wasn't happy
and when I spoke to my dad he said "don't be so judgemental, if these kids
never get invited to parties and socialise with other kids, how will they
ever learn to behave and see what it's like in different social
environments"

That has really struck a chord with me, and I've also relayed that to
several of my 'snobby' friends and now understand how important it is to
have a mix, and give others a chance.

Good luck with your school choices! I've just found out that we've come to
the top of the list for my 1st preference. I don't thin we will move him
though as from what I've seen (barring suspension rumours!) it's quite a
good school. I'm vice-chair of the PTA (if you can't beat 'em join 'em
mentality) and they seem to be a lot better than I though. (I was put off by
my snobby 'friends' - and the head teacher that's not very good at
communicating with parents - I am not 5 years old!!! and she forgets that!!!

Anyway - must do some work now!

Thanks (for listening) and advise.

S

Post by Welches

Post by M&S
Thanks Debbie - I had some of those star books lined up ready to do and
we never did it because he wasn't really interested and I didn't want to
push it.
I'm amazed with his progress in letter formation etc. in just a few weeks.
I've heard a rumour though that 3 children has been suspended in YR, one
for spitting at a TA, one for climbing on the apparatus in assemb;y and I
don't know what the other one was for!!!
There is quite a big social divide at our school, and Ive had my thoughts
turned around from horrified to thinking that it was actually quite a
good school - but now this!!! Would you ask the Head Teacher whether the
rumours are true?

I wouldn't ask the head teacher, I'm not sure you'll get a straight answer
anyway.
I would also be amazed if a child was suspended just ofr climbing the
apparatus in assembly, particularly in Year R, but I can't see it coming
from just that offence even higher up the school. I also can't see a child
having caused enough problems in one month for it to be the last straw!!
Even spitting at a TA, I'd be skeptical that it'd merit suspension at that
age. It's pretty rare to suspend an anfant school child and I can't see it
happening in the first half term unless possibly if they're trying to get
extra help for them, and even then I'd be doubtful.
If it is true, then it might actually be a good sign in that they are
doing their best at discipline.
Bet you're glad you're not going for the whole year party for his
birthday...
I'm choosing junior schools for #1 at the moment. (#2 starts infant school
but that's no issue). We're favouring the further away one but I'm not
sure we can do it practically. Pity we don't have primary schools round
here.
Debbie