Learning Age: 7 to 11 Years

Learning Track: Numeracy Part 2

Practical Problem Solving Using Numeracy

N ot all children can get inspired by numeracy in school or by a homework worksheet.

For many, actually doing something where numeracy is 'learnt on the job' can be more effective. If you want evidence of this have a chat with your plumber!

Look for opportunities to ask for their help in real situations at home where you need to work something out.

The key is to start simply and build up to harder questions as your child's numeracy skills gets better.

You'll also be giving them practice in listening skills and helping them develop valuable strategies for problem solving.

Consider any tasks, even if it looks like there's no numeracy involved. The important thing is that it involves thinking about breaking it down to smaller steps.

Any effort you make here will really help your child. Don't be put off by ideas that don't work, when you get this right it can be great fun for all involved

Here are some easier examples you might start with

Your planning a journey and need to work out the best route. Discuss the different options you have with your child and how long each might take, which one is best and worst value. With your help, why not get your child to find out the cost of train tickets over the phone or internet?

Budgeting - look through a supermarket receipt - what were the most expensivce items, were there any savings. Talk about the strategy used by shops to make this appear cheaper than they are (5.99p, 3 for 2 offers).

Here are some harder examples you could use -

You need to buy ...

Work out how many miles per gallon/litters your can can do. Reset you car odometer next time you put fuel into you car and make a note of the details. When half of the amount of fuel is used, you can work out the fuel efficiency of your car. Click here for somemore help on doing this.

With a little thought many ordinary activities can be turned into rich learning experiances for your child.