Age: 8
Years: 3
Key stage: 2
- Learning to add and subtract (Mathematics)
The topic chosen which was learning how to add and subtract there are different methods in which this can be taught. However there is the mental method which from key stage 1 they learnt the subtraction and addition facts of 10, such as (10 – 7 = 3), (8 + 2 = 10) etc. this helps the child to add and subtract numbers easily and remember them.
During key stage 1 the pupils have learnt to count, read, write and order numbers to 100. From key stage 1 to 2 they carry on to develop their mental calculation skills and utilize these confidently. With key stage 2 pupils are using the number systems more confidently moving to calculating confidently with the all four numbers for example [5000 – 3999], [3000 + 4564]. At this stage the student will tackle problems mentally and carry on building their mental skills by using different methods.
At key stage 2 the child is more familiar with the number system and confident. At this age they progress onto calculating fluently with all four number operations. The students start exploring skills in measuring in a range of contexts. They also discuss and reason using a wider range of mathematical diagrams and charts.
The different methods that can be used at key stage 2
- Mental method
The child should know the facts of adding and subtracting up to 20 mentally. For example [10 + 10 = 20], [13 +7 = 20], [20 – 13 = 7], [20 – 17 = 3] etc therefore recall the subtraction and addition facts they know which is the mental method. Also the acquaint the pupils with two digit numbers to add up to 100. [50 + 50 = 100]
The same with four digit numbers.
- Written method
Use written methods to add and subtract up to 1000. This will aid the child in working out sums on paper. By using there mental method skills they can work sums quicker because there maybe a small majority of students having difficulties using mental methods to work adding and subtraction.
We can then increase the ability by them adding 5 number digits for example [500 + 500 = 1000]
- ICT method
The use of computers will enable the students gain an experience in using computers and build their usage of using numbers on the computer.
Types of learning the children will be using
Reinforcement
This is when the teacher reinforces and encourages the child to perform the task he/she is carrying out by reinforcing he/she is doing well. This helps the child to keep up good behaviour for example. However applying it to the mathematics students, it would be an
encouragement of remembering the facts of sums up to 20, 100, 1000 and 4000 etc as some students will be struggling with the sums created. A “well done” reward will ensure the child they are progressing and achieving.
Verbal Instruction
Verbal instruction involves the teacher telling the child and explaining ideas is what the teachers do. It helps to produce learning facts that cannot be learnt by modelling and reinforcement. Here I will be telling them how the sum is done and different methods of adding and subtracting.
Discovery and experimental learning
Discovery learning is the one of the best ways to teach a child as they remember certain things they do. This is because they experiment with the resources in front of them for example according to my age group, with a number line they can add quite simply with the sums on the given task.
- Learning to about the human body (functions and processes) (Science)
For the key stage 1 the students are learning about a number of topics such as plants, humans and other animals, green plants, variation and classification and living things in their environment.
The students at this stage have are being taught these topics and will be learning in more depth at key stage 2. However the topic I have chosen is learning about the human body which is the heart and lungs which comes under the category of Humans and other animals.
At key stage 2 of the topic humans and other animals it has been broken down to 5 different areas. This would be circulation. In circulation it describes that
- the heart acts as a jump to circulate the blood through vessels around the body including through the lungs
- About the effect of exercise and the explanation of the pulse rate.
Explaining the heart and the different functions lungs will automatically fall into the category for example, we breathe in oxygen to oxygenate the blood, which allows the heart to pump the oxygenated blood around the body.
Types of learning the children will be using
Reinforcement
This is when the teacher reinforces and encourages the child to perform the task he/she is carrying out by reinforcing he/she is doing well. This helps the child to keep up good behaviour for example. There are lot of names involved with the heart, therefore children’s concentration can die therefore reinforcing the names and activities within the heart and lungs will remain in their brains.
Verbal Instruction
Verbal instruction involves the teacher telling the child and explaining ideas is what the teachers do. It helps to produce learning facts that cannot be learnt by modelling and reinforcement. Here I will be telling them how the sum is done and different methods of adding and subtracting.
Discovery and experimental learning
Discovery learning will be being able to see a fake heart and where it is placed within the body. This will be shown from a given plastic model body.
Research and reading
A lot of research and reading will be involved within the learning of science as it’s mostly based in the books. Some students may remember the information by reading.
Reflection and analysis
By reflecting back with the children and gaining feedback from the students the teacher can analyse the weaknesses of the students therefore can do more work on that area of the topic.
