Positives and negative integers

Over the first two weeks of the term we've been focusing on a specific mathematics skill and using materials to support us with our understanding of it Smith.

In maths testing in term 3 I found that many students in Rūma Ono did not have a clear understanding the relationship between positive and negative integers.

During week one and two of this term I've looked to address this through explicit, targeted small group teaching of this skill, supporting this understanding with hands on teaching.

Students worked though a number of sessions using thermometers, coloured counters to represent positive/negative integers, -50-50 number lines, adding and subtracting positive/negative integers bingo all with a reward system where they completed a bank ledger to track deposits to get them out of overdraft (best bank balance wins).

Students were all really engaged throughout the lessons; manipulating materials every step of the way really helped with reinforcing the important concepts I was teaching them.

The post test results were very pleasing and will set them up well for their end of year assessment.