So, in my Early Level 4 Maths strand group I have introduced word problems into Strand. Our first challenge was with algebra.
Many times, I have said and shown our learners that maths is all about patterns... find a pattern to help you work something out. This week I used a NZMaths website problem called 'The Farmer's Sheep'. At first look, the kids thought this was way to challenging - they wanted to give the sheep back; eat the sheep; hide the sheep. You name it, they wanted to not have anything to do with the extra sheep that the question required them to find a paddock for.
A few kids got straight down to drawing up the grid and working with random numbers to see what they could figure out. These were the learners that I have noticed love numbers and a challenge. At the end of the session, perhaps half of the groups had got 'a' solution.At the start of the next session, numerous learners let me know that the had 'the' answer. I replied... "What would you say if I said there were actually 16 answers?" Stunned looks. What do you mean 16 answers Koka Ngaire?!!
During the session, learners got out equipment to move around: counters, die and ones blocks that became the sheep. Soon we had many groups sharing their answers. The learners who thought the had 'the' answer were challenging themselves to see how many of the 16 they could evidence. Once the kids had found the pattern that the 4 corners always added to 11, they were away.
Great discussion and reflection at the close of the session about what was helpful and made solving this challenging problem easier. Looking for a pattern and having equipment to move around were top of their list.
Pleasing to hear the learner who had 'the' answer originally share with another teacher that "Hmmm, there isn't always just one answer."
