Maths help for parents of children aged 5 to 11

Consolidation of understanding multiplication, very similar to the Year 2 pages, but with larger numbers. These two free maths worksheets ask the children to make number stories for multiplication sentences.

The Primary Framework for Mathematics considers these kinds of questions very important as they show clearly whether children understand the vocabulary they use in mathematics. If you ask a child what multiplication means they may well answer, “Times”, because that is a word they know means the same as multiplication: but they are then unable to say what “Times” means.

Free Y3 maths worksheets: Making multiplication number stories (pg 1)

Free Y3 maths worksheets: Making multiplication number stories (pg 2)

More making number stories, this time with multiplication. With young children the best way to explain multiplication is as repeated addition. In other words 3 x 5 is the same as 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 or 5 lots of 3.

Try to reflect this when making the number sentences. Unlike year 1 these sentences should be written down as well as said orally.

Free Y2 maths worksheets: Making multiplication number stories (pg 1)

Free Y2 maths worksheets: Making multiplication number stories (pg 2)

Two more maths worksheets where children have to make a number story to match the sum. Hints (eg ‘balls left’) are given but of course do not have to be used. This is great practice for using the terms involved with subtraction and should be done orally. There are of course far more opportunities in real life to encourage using mathematical language, especially around the home.

Free Y1 maths worksheets: Making number stories (pg 5)

Free Y1 maths worksheets: Making number stories (pg 6)

Wow! Now this does need some concentration, but is by no means impossible.

Let’s look at an example: 239 + 421

First of all it’s nearly always easier to start with the larger number, so let’s reverse the question.

421 + 239.

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It is important that children have real confidence with adding any two digit numbers ( eg 42 and 58 ) and that they have a variety of strategies or approaches, depending on the numbers involved - sometimes it is easier to start with the tens, but not always. Constant practice, usually not on paper, of these tens and units additions will make larger mental addition much easier.

It is expected that children will usually use mental methods to add two digit numbers - NOT write the sum down. This might also be the case for adding HTU and TU. (more…)

There should be no need for using written methods to add two 2-digit numbers. That’s the theory and by year 4 children are beginning to have to put this into practice.

Also remember that most of us do a mental calculation in a different order than doing it in writing.

For example: 27 + 35.

I start with the tens and add 20 and 30, then add the 7 and finally add the 5.

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Very similar to the Year 2 worksheets these two maths worksheets look again at the language of addition. By now children should be able to read these questions and recognise them as addition questions.

The numbers are also harder. Here we are adding two, 2-digit numbers, but the answers all come to whole tens. This is reinforcing those vital number bonds that make 10 (4 and 6 etc).

Free Y3 maths worksheets: Written addition questions (pg 1)

Free Y3 maths worksheets: Written addition questions (pg 2)

There are quite a number of different ways that an addition question can be asked. By Year 2 children are expected to be able to recognise these:

Add 20 to 30

20 add 30

What is the sum of 20 and 30 ?

What is the total of 20 and 30 ?

How many are 20 and 30 altogether?

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Back to calculating this week. These two maths worksheets look at addition from a different angle. The answer is given and children have to find two different sums to make the answer.

This is a good test of children’s understanding of addition. It will also help them with the idea that 4 + 3 is the same as 3 + 4. (more…)

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