1 of 6

Parent Pack

P1

Term 1&2

Focus: Numbers 1 - 6

This pack includes:

  • An overview of Mathematics Mastery
  • Big pictures
  • Key vocabulary
  • Key representations for numbers 1 – 6
  • Number games to play at home

2 of 6

Mathematical problem solving

Conceptual understanding

Language & communication

Mathematical thinking

Representing concepts using objects, pictures, words and symbol; making connections between these

Explaining, justifying and discussing using accurate mathematical language

Making conjectures, trying out specific examples, organising, comparing, looking for patterns and generalising

Central to learning mathematics

What is ‘Mastery’?

The ‘mastery approach’ to teaching mathematics is the underlying principle of Mathematics Mastery. Instead of learning mathematical procedures by rote, we want your child to build a deep understanding of concepts which will enable them to apply their learning in different situations. To achieve this we aim to develop pupils’ Conceptual Understanding, Mathematical Thinking and Language and Communication. (See diagram below).

Mathematics Mastery

Success for all

At school we believe all pupils can achieve success in maths. We encourage pupils to have a ‘growth mindset’ – a belief that effort leads to success and that challenges are opportunities to learn.

Here are a few tips to encourage your children at home with maths:

  • Talk to your child about everyday maths
  • Play games with them
  • Value mistakes as learning opportunities
  • Recognise that there is more than one way to work things out.
  • Praise your child for effort over outcome.
  • Avoid saying things like “I’m useless at maths”.

3 of 6

Autumn focus: Numbers 1- 6

This term one of our key focusses in Primary 1 is developing understanding of numbers 1-6. Below are some of the key small steps pupils will be learning about:

The five frame is used to support early number skills. (Once pupils have a key understanding of numbers 1 – 5, they will move on to using a ten frame.)

Key vocabulary for Primary 1 – Numbers 1 – 6

one (1) two (2) three (3) four (4) five (5) six (6) how many count more fewer greater less same different next before after zero (0) none nothing part whole is equal to (=) plus altogether subtract minus

Early mathematical experiences

Pattern and early number

Numbers to 6

  • Classifying objects based on one attribute
  • Comparing objects and sets
  • Ordering objects and sets
  • Recognise, describe, copy and extend colour and size patterns
  • Count and represent the numbers 1 to 3
  • Estimate and check by counting
  • Count up to six objects
  • One more or one fewer
  • Order numbers 1 – 6
  • Conservation of numbers within 6

Addition and subtraction

Measure

Shape and sorting

Calendar and time

  • Count up to six objects
  • One more or one fewer
  • Order numbers 1 – 6
  • Conservation of numbers within 6

Estimate, order, compare, discuss and explore capacity, weight and lengths

  • Describe and sort 3-D shapes
  • Describe position accurately

  • Days of the week and seasons
  • Sequence daily events

Primary 1 – Term 1&2 Curriculum Map

  1. Count 1, 2 and 3 reliably (using objects, images, sounds)
  2. Create representations for numbers 1, 2 and 3.
  3. Count numbers 1 – 6 reliably
  4. Create representations for numbers 1 – 6
  5. Place numbers 1 – 6 in order
  6. Recognise numerals 1 – 6
  7. Explore one more and one less
  8. Addition and subtraction of numbers 1 – 6
  9. Understand the concept of zero (0)

4 of 6

Big Pictures

What maths can you see? Discuss with your child at home using the key vocabulary on the previous page.

5 of 6

Try this at home – workshop games

Pairs�2 players��What you need: 12 dot cards with a variety of dot patterns representing numbers 1 to 6 (see the following page.)��How to play: Spread all the cards out face down. The first player turns over any two cards. If they are a pair (i.e. have the same number of dots), the player removes the cards and scores a point. If they are not a pair, both cards are turned back down in their places. The second player then turns over two cards and so on. When all the cards have been matched, the player with more pairs wins.��Variations�1. Increase the number of pairs of cards used.�2. Use a greater number of dots on the cards.�3. Pair a dot card with a numeral card.

Flip and Create

2-4 players�

What you need: 12 dot cards with a variety of dot patterns representing numbers 1 to 6 (see the following page) and counters/buttons/stones/cubes etc. (6 per person required).

How to play: Have the cards in a pile face don. The first player flips over one card. The rest of the players then use counters to replicate the arrangement of dots on his/her card and says the number out loud The dealer checks the results. The next player then flips over the next card and places it on top of the previous card. The players rearrange their counters. This continues until all the cards are used. ��VariationsMore or fewer: Each child can predict aloud whether the new card has more, fewer or the same number of dots as the previous card. The prediction is checked by the dealer, by observing whether counters need to be taken away or added.�Create your own dot cards: Change the arrangements or increase/decrease the number of dots on the cards.

one two three four five six more fewer less

one two three four five six

6 of 6

Resource: Dot cards