The Junior Prep Number Sense Day

The construct of number sense refers to a child’s fluidity and flexibility with numbers. It helps children understand what numbers mean, improving their performance of mental mathematics, and giving them the tools to look at mathematics in the outside world and make comparisons. These sentiments were loudly echoed during our annual Number Sense Day. The children showcased their chosen numbers through a variety of fashionable and creative accessories.

In Grade R the focus was on the concrete learning and the children enjoyed counting one another. The discussions which arose from different classes were thought provoking and showed a constructivist approach to Mathematics. Children were exposed to terms such as ‘dozen’ or ‘baker’s dozen’ all stemming from a child who had showcased his number via eggs!

The Grade 1 children were engaged in a Smarties activity. The children sorted and classified smarties into colours, produced graphs to represent their findings and compared the number of smarties found in each box. The discussions of the journey of the smarties from production to their tummies was an interesting and imaginative expedition.

In Grade 2 problem solving skills were put to the test as children made 3D shapes using toothpicks and jelly tots. The innovative plans were a pleasure to witness. The ingenious designs were crafted with care and technique. The children can be proud of the inventive and artistic work produced.