Maths: 5 Times Table

This week our class is studying the 5 times table.

5 x table 'whack a mouse game' looks fun (and sort of ugly!)

A '5 Timestable Shootout' game is here.

Maths: 2 Times Table

This week we are focusing on learning the 2 Times Table.

There is no real secret or fresh approach to learning times tables, it remains that much of it is embedded through repeated exposure to the number patterns and practice in using them!
So yes, reciting tables as a class and then to each other remains an important part of learning times tables.

A great introduction to the concept of multiplication:


Some tips:
- Buy a times tables poster and stick it to the back of your toilet door!
- Free printable online poster here.
- Ask your child to recite times tables while doing a repetitive activity such as brushing their hair or driving in the car.
- Make a chart and time them, congratulate them on their improving fluency and success.

multiplication.com is an awesome resource and includes online games, tips for teachers and tests for students!

A good online 'test' can be practised here.

A whole range of online times table games are available here, where you can select which times table you would like to practice.

Now, let's get on and practice!

Analog Clock

I have been encouraging my students to read analog time, and also to wear a watch to school! Our classroom clock is currently broken, so here is a clock with the local time to use in class:

Sydney

You can watch a great overview of telling the time on youtube. Just be ready to pause it when the moment comes along for activities!

This website is dedicated entirely to learning the time!

An online game where the student has to set the clock to the analog time is available here.

Match the analog time to the digital time - very handy for Primary School students!

Of course BBC Skillswise has a great online time resource - even for adults planning on joining the armed forces!

Some printable worksheets are available for all levels here.

Learn to Type

It's amazing to consider that my current class of year 3s will (most probably) be completing their HSC on computer!

So hand in hand with handwriting comes typing. I think it's important to note that students must first learn to type, and typing games can then compliment and develop these skills. Like with handwriting, we all eventually develop our own style with how to approach typing.

BBC Dancemat Typing is excellent, however it requires sound. This is not always appropriate for a classroom!

This online learning games for kids website has a good series of leveled typing lessons for kids.

keybr is an excellent tool for learning to type full words, and also demonstrates finger placement on the keyboard, a helpful reminder for everybody, adults included.

I think we all agree learning to type is vital, I hope these websites help.

Games: BBC Bitesize

I'd like to thank our school's ESL teacher who recently referred me to these great online games. BBC Bitesize has online educational games available to kids of all ages.

It seems my year 3s love 'Questionaut' and it will certainly be getting a run in my classroom, at the very least during wet lunchtimes. There are also English, Maths and Science specific activities (Spelling, Angles, Story Planning are just a few) available and they are certainly of an acceptable quality for use in an education setting. Enjoy!