AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM
From Level 2 there are requirements within ACARA http://www.acara.edu.au/ that children need to be displaying mental computation strategies. There are many other areas where mental computation is required throughout all levels (See Achievement Standards for each Year Level).
Content Descriptions
Number and Algebra Year 2 Solve simple addition and subtraction problems using a range of efficient mental and written strategies (ACMNA030) Year 3 Represent and solve problems involving multiplication efficient mental and written strategies and appropriate digital technologies (ACMNA057) Year 4 Develop efficient mental and written strategies and use appropriate digital technologies for multiplication and for division where there is no remainder (ACMNA076) Year 5 Use efficient mental and written strategies and apply appropriate digital technologies to solve problems (ACMNA291) |
EARLY YEARS LEARNING FRAMEWORK
The EYLF - Being, Belonging and Becoming provides a 'curriculum' for the younger years. It is a wonderful resource for working out where your younger students are developmentally.
CHILDREN ARE CONFIDENT AND INVOLVED LEARNERS
The above represents the attributes a child has before they reach formal schooling. |
"Educators' Knowledge of individual children is crucial to providing an environment and experiences that will optimise children's learning." (EYLF p.34)
Mental Computation has such a broader scope than what is shown in relation to strategy in those curriculum points. It is a valued skill that can be applied to many areas such as:
Mental Computation has such a broader scope than what is shown in relation to strategy in those curriculum points. It is a valued skill that can be applied to many areas such as:
- Time - routines, days of the week, and in the literal sense to physically read an analogue clock.
- Place Value - knowing and understanding what a number means and being able to explain and define this.
- Money - in the early years children learn the values. Mental computation comes into play when students integrate problem solving skills.