These parent guides will help you to see the progression of a child’s understanding of number and calculations from the Early Years through to Year 6. They demonstrate the teaching stages of each of the 4 operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They also include key vocabulary to support each method.Each guide is designed to assist you with supporting your child at home with their Numeracy learning. It is often the case that many methods and strategies taught today appear different from those previously used. All children will progress towards using the methods that many adults recognise from their own school days. We do, however, encourage all parents to support their child’s progress through the stages outlined in these parent guides, so that they gain a richer understanding of how complex calculations work. When at home, it is helpful if your child can practice the methods taught in school to ensure the strategies are reinforced effectively.
In school, your child will experience number operations through practical, oral, mental and written work. Being able to talk about methods and strategy is important in developing your child’s mathematical thinking. It acts as a vital stepping stone to written methods. As your child develops strategies, we strive for them to be able to choose the most efficient ‘error-proof’ method to solve a given calculation.