This week in Maths, we have been developing our number skills and working out one more and one less than a given number. We have learnt that when you find one more than a number, the original number will get bigger and when you find one less, the original number will get smaller.
We have also been counting forwards and backwards in sequences. This can be quite tricky because we need to remember that our numbers should be getting bigger if we are counting forwards, and smaller if we are counting backwards!
During our Maths lessons in Year 1, we will be learning to use a range of manipulatives, or resources, to help us show our learning in a practical way. This week, we have been using bead strings to demonstrate our understanding of finding one more/less than a number.
How you can help at home:
- Go for a walk around your local streets – have a look at the numbers on the houses you walk past – are the numbers getting bigger or smaller?
- Encourage your child to help set the table at meal times. As they are laying the plates etc, ask questions such as ‘How many plates are there? How many would there be if there was one more/one less?’
- Give your child a number, e.g. 5 and see if they can count forwards and backwards from that number. You may need to use practical resources to help, particularly with counting backwards!