St Mary's primary school pupils and parents spent the day playing fun maths games this Heritage Day, Wednesday 24 September.
St Mary's primary school pupils and parents spent the day playing fun maths games this Heritage Day, Wednesday 24 September.
Parents and Grade 3 and 4 pupils sacrificed their public holiday to explore the idea of making mathematics fun.
Already set on fire for figures by their after-school maths clubs, the pupils were eager to show off what they knew – and learn more.
The event aimed to get pupils to continue practising maths beyond the classroom.
Taking maths home, Maths Club co-ordinator Debbie Stott said, was key to becoming better at it. The maths games were prepared by the South African Numeracy Chair Project, at Rhodes University.
This research and development programme has been going since 2011. Stott said, "Everyone can do maths. It doesn't matter if you think you were not born with a maths brain. If you put effort and if you work hard at it, you can do it."
Teachers from other Grahamstown schools also attended the maths day and participated in the day's activities.
While the children were busy playing outside after their turn at the tables, it was time for the parents to show off some of mathematical skills of their own.
They were enthusiastic about being equipped to help out with any maths problem their children might come across when practising at home. Professor Mellony Graven, the South African Numeracy Chair, who was facilitating the day's games, shared some teachers' tips with the parents.
It's okay for children to use their fingers when counting, but there are quicker ways to do it, she said, demonstrating how with games such as cards, dice, and board games.
It was clear that both parents and children enjoyed the event.
