Basic Maths Teaching

 

Helping Learners Understand Numbers

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A Real Learning Experience

A learner asked:

“How can I count past 10 if I only have 10 fingers?”

This is a real difficulty.

Many learners think:

• Maths must match what they can see

• Numbers feel limited

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The Teacher’s Strategy

Example:

8 + 4

Step 1:
Start with the bigger number → 8

Step 2:
Put up 4 fingers

Step 3:
Count on:

9, 10, 11, 12

Answer = 12

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Why This Works

Learners:

• Start from what they know

• Add step by step

• Build confidence

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Important Teaching Method

This is called:

“Counting on”

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Other Methods

Learners can also use:

• Cubes

• Beads

• Counters

• Pictures

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Example

8 cubes + 4 cubes

Count all cubes = 12

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Using Colours

Different colours help:

• 8 red cubes

• 4 blue cubes

Learners can SEE the groups.

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Key Message

Maths should be seen, touched, and counted.

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Final Message

Understanding is more important than memorising.

Basic Addition

Counting On

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Example

8 + 4 = 12

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Step by Step

Start at 8

Count on 4:

9, 10, 11, 12

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Activity 1

Try:

• 7 + 3 = ____

• 6 + 5 = ____

• 9 + 2 = ____

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Activity 2 (Use Fingers)

Start with the big number.

Count on using fingers.

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Activity 3 (Use Objects)

Use:

• Cubes

• Beads

• Counters

Example:

5 cubes + 3 cubes

Count = ____

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Activity 4 (Draw It)

Draw:

• 8 circles

• 4 circles

Count them.

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Key Message

Count on to find the answer.