MathsTalk by AMSI Schools

This episode looks at the importance of developing number sense in small children and how this can be done by both teachers and parents. Hosts Leanne McMahon and Marcus Garrett speak with AMSI CHOOSEMATHS award winner, Sarah Rose from the Hunter Valley in NSW. Sarah shares her early experiences with Maths and how these have shaped her attitude to Maths teaching now. She gives some great ideas for the development of number sense in children from babies to later primary years. All resources are listed on the AMSI Schools site, www.calculate.org.au Comment or contact us on Twitter @AMSISchools, join us for the #MathsTalk every Thursday night at 8pm AEST or fill in the form on the podcast page https://calculate.org.au/mathstalk-podcast/

Please excuse the recording quality. It was a very early attempt at Zoom and we are ironing out a few bugs.

In this episode of MathsTalk, Leanne and Marcus chat to recent CHOOSEMATHS Schools Outreach Officer and current secondary mathematics teacher Jacinta Blencowe about why allowing students to talk about their mathematical working and understanding is such a critical element in their maths education. They discuss the ways in which parents and teachers can develop children’s mathematical language and vocabulary and also provide some practical tips, resources and strategies for encouraging useful and productive discourse around mathematical working and problem solving.

Host, Leanne McMahon introduces her fellow Outreach Officers from AMSI Schools and asks them what is their go-to Mathematics activity for children at home. We cover ages 5-16 and give some fun, practical tips for making Maths interesting and relevant for your house-bound mini mathematicians.

See www.calculate.org.au for links and information

In this Episode, Marcus Garrett speaks with mathematics education guru Michael Minas about using maths games and activities to engage students during home based learning, precipitated by the Covid-19 crisis during which most Australian classrooms are operating via distance learning. Michael provides parents, caregivers and teachers with both encouragement and some great, practical tips about how to engage - and focus - children and young people during this challenging time. 

Please note that due to remote recording under the sudden circumstances of work-from-home arrangements during the Covid-19 crisis, the recording sound quality for this and last episode is not to our usual standard. We are working on gaining access to equipment to ensure future from-home recordings are at the best sound quality possible. Thanks for your understanding.

In our special 'Social Isolation' Episode, Host, Marcus Garrett, talks to AMSI Schools Program Manager and CHOOSEMATHS Project Director, Janine Sprakel about what we should be doing to help children of all ages with their Mathematics at home. We look at the expectations on parents at this crazy time and how to manage them. We then examine some of the fantastic resources, ideas and games that can be found on the Calculate website (https://calculate.org.au/) and on other websites from around the world.

Learn how to enjoy this time with your children, with tips to find curriculum-linked games and activities, all designed to increase confidence and joy in students, parents and teachers alike.

In a special episode to celebrate International Maths Day, host Leanne McMahon talks to AMSI CHOOSEMATHS award winners Elizabeth Dewar and Ryan Jellie. We discuss the changes that they've made to the teaching of Maths at Boneo Primary School and how these changes have affected their students. AMSI Outreach Officer Marcus Garrett joins Leanne in a road trip to Boneo to talk to the students and hear about their interpretation of 'Maths is everywhere.'

Host Leanne McMahon talks to AMSI Schools Manager Janine Sprakel and Outreach Officer Marcus Garrett about the features of a good Maths lesson. We look at the structure, content, delivery and context of lessons and how to plan for a sensational learning experience with your students.

Join the conversation on @AMSIschools Twitter.

In the first Mathstalk series of the year, the AMSI team looks at starting the year in Mathematics. From setting up your classroom with resources, planning and delivering the best Maths lessons you can, to our favourite games, warmups and fun routines. In today's episode, host Marcus Garrett talks to AMSI Outreach Officers Cass Lowry (primary) and Leanne McMahon (secondary) about what Maths Classrooms need. They discuss must-have manipulatives in both primary and secondary classrooms and also look at On-line resources and Text books.

Host Leanne McMahon chats to AMSI Schools Outreach Officers Nadia Abdelal and Marcus Garrett about multiplication in this final episode in the Multiplication Matters series. They talk everything arrays, how they connect to vertical algorithms as well as why they are important in algebraic expansion and factorisation.

Hosts Marcus Garrett and Nadia Abdelal continue the discussion with Outreach Officer Helen Booth on the teaching of fractions and decimals. This episode focuses on the five fractional constructs and the importance of delivering these in a more conceptual way.