Mitzi B.
Sumadero BEED – 2
Assess
Answer the following questions to verbalize your understanding of teaching mathematics in
primary grades.
1. In your own words, describe the importance of teaching mathematics in the primary
grades.
- The importance of teaching math in the primary grades for it develops the problem solving
skills of the children. It also strengthens the reason skills and progress the analyzing skills of
the primary graders
2. Why is it important for children to develop a positive disposition in learning mathematics?
- It is important for the children to acquire positive dispositions that enable them to persevere
in more challenging problems, take some responsibility for their own learning, and develop
good math work habits.
Challenge
The following activity will practice your research skills and reasoning ability. It will also
strengthen your opinion on the importance of learning math in the primary grades.
Research about some arguments of educators who believe that mathematics should not be
taught in the primary grades. Write each argument in the left column. Then, write a rebuttal
for each claim.
Arguments on Why Mathematics Should Rebuttals
Not Be Taught in the Primary Grades
Argument 1: Teaching math beyond basics Teaching math beyond basic is must, I
is useless. You have to teach curiosity believe that Mathematics can be use in daily
instead. basis in life. The advance math or shall we
call it beyond basic is a continuation of the
primary math and should not be left untold.
Argument 2: If your kid is good at math, Guiding a child is still needed, I think leaving
don’t need to teach them. a brilliant child with what he is capable of
learning himself is like leaving a diamond
without polishing it, polishing a diamond can
make it shine brighter so as to the goes to
teaching the a child math that can sharpen
his capability to understand, analyze
problem solving.
Harness
In this particular activity, you will focus your observation on the characteristics of
primary grade students. This activity will be part of the learning portfolio which you will
compile as a final requirement in this subject.
Instead of observing a class of primary students, due to our present situation today, the
learners are engaged in self learning materials only. So let us just observe at least one to
three Primary Grade student/s in your community. Focus your observation on the
characteristics of the students. On the right column of the table below, write specific
examples of how the characteristics on the left column are exhibited by the children you
observed.
Characteristics of Primary Examples Based on Observations
Learners
Physical Extremely active and Children still need rest period because they
enjoys physical become fatigue easily
activities Children are extremely active and so need
breaks like recess
Children may have difficulty focusing on
small print or objects
Social Beginning to have a Become more selective in their choice of
choice of friends but friends and are likely to have a more
frequently quarrels permanent best friend
Children like organized games but may
with them become overly concerned with rules
Emotional Becoming sensitive to Easily distracted
criticism and other’s Easily feel bad or disappointed if they can’t
feelings; eager to get they want
Most children are eager to please the
please the teacher
teacher
Cognitive Sees patterns, Children begin to understand that learning
engages in real life and recall are caused by cognitive
problem-solving processes that they can control
Children of this age do not learn as
activities, learns a lot efficiently as older children
through self-talk Children understand that there are different
ways to know things and that some ways
are better than others
What other characteristics have you observed?
Children construct their identities and build cultural bridges
Primary students are exceptional at learning a new school culture, but they are also
particularly vulnerable to unspoken negative messages about their home culture's values,
language, and traditions. Children need to see their home culture reflected positively in their
school experience at a time when their identity as a member of a family group and as a
unique self is in transition. Because children develop at different rates, skilled primary
teachers find ways to affirm each of their students' abilities and preferences, to celebrate
diversity, and to encourage inclusion.
