Month: October 2012

Resource of the Week: Subtraction of money

The standard written method of subtraction is usually used when adding amounts of money, but it can prove quite tricky as it involves decimals. It is important to lay the question out in the standard way, even if it is shown horizontally or just as a written problem and most importantly, to keep the decimal points in a line. if using squared paper it is best to puit the decimal point on the line rather than in a square.

Watch out when there is a zero on the top line as many children go for the easy option and say ‘nought take away 3 is 3’ rather than going through the carrying process.

This is just one of our series on subtracting money.

Standard money subtraction: page 2

Year 2 Shape worksheet: 4 squares

In year 2 children should be using 2D shapes to make pictures and patterns by drawing round them, as well as using pin boards and elastic bands. This mini investigation looks at combining four squares to see how many different shapes can be made. The best way to go about this is to have four larger squares to move about and to record results on square paper.

One of the  important parts of this is to define what counts as a shape. For example, two squares joined only at the right angle would fall apart if cut so can it count as a shape?

It also encourages moving and turning shapes to see if two shapes are actually just one but seen from a different perspective.

It also encourages systematic reporting and working in a methodical way.

Thanks to urbrainy.com for letting me use this resource.

Shapes from 4 squares