Part one of this blog gives ideas for using physical hand movements to replace mathematical symbols and how this can be used for introducing mathematical vocabulary. In this blog entry, we will look at how else this strategy might be used.
Image credit: www.echinacities.com/Beijing/city-guide/Weird-Eats-Beijings-Strangest-Theme-Restaurants
For example, in pairs, children can test each others mathematical knowledge and then link this to inverse operations.
- Child A comes up with a calculation (4x12=);
- Child B then says the answer and creates the inverse operation with their own symbols(48/12=);
- Child A then says the answer(4).
This game both gets children to practise speed of their mental answers and allows the teacher to check the understanding of inverse operation. In the classroom, this can often get competitive and chldren like making the maths quicker and quicker.
Another option for advanced users is to introduce the bracket (one arm pointing up and one down) into the mix and move into groups using a combination of symbols and whiteboards with numbers on. Teachers can instroduce equations with brackets in different places to show how they impact on the equation.
As a strategy, Kung Fu Maths gives teachers the opportunity to introduce practical elements to the maths currciulum.Getting children out of their seats doing physical movements which reinforces concepts for many children and, as importantly, is fun.
No comments:
Post a Comment