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NUMERACY

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Today we will be looking at...

• Definition of Numeracy• Implications of low levels• Base 7 Exercise• Good Numeracy practice guidelines• Language of Numeracy• Tutor’s Toolbox• Online Resources and Worksheets

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Numeracy

Wake Up Call

How many times in the story are numbers referred to?

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NALA’s Definition of Literacy

Literacy involves listening and speaking, reading, writing, numeracy and using everyday technology to communication and handle information... it also has personal, social and economic dimensions.Literacy increases the opportunity for individuals and communities to reflect on their situation, explore new possibilities and initiate change.

NALA Strategic Plan 2007 -2010

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What is Numeracy?

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NALA’S Definition of Numeracy

Numeracy is a life skill that involves the competent use of mathematical language, knowledge and skills. Numerate adults have the confidence to manage the mathematical demands of real-life situations such as everyday living, work related settings and in further education, so that effective choices are made in our evolving technological and knowledge based society.

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Implications of Low Levels of Numeracy

Civic• Participation fully as a citizen• Voting• Understand government documents

Recreational• Participation in leisure activities such

as sports, quizzes, puzzles

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Implications of Low Levels of Numeracy

Professional• Decreased job & training opportunities.

Practical• Making informed decisions e.g. Finances• Budgeting• Interest rates• PRSI & pension contributions

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A numerate person has...

• A number sense.• The ability to quantify and estimate.• Skills in measuring.• Usable knowledge of the basic facts.• The ability to select the appropriate

operation to find a solution.• The ability to use a calculator.• A money-wise sense

(Frye 1982)

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Base 7 Exercise

How did it make you feel?

What helped?

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Good Numeracy Practice Guidelines

• Make it fun!!• Use real life examples where possible. e.g. Pizza for fractions, money for

decimals, menus for adding.• Boost confidence by providing

opportunities for success• Connect lessons to everyday life.• Discuss different ways of tackling the

same problem.

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Good Numeracy Practice Guidelines

• Look at patterns.• Use estimation and show students

how to check their work.• Introduce mathematical language.

Strive to teach for understanding How we get there is as important

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Maths has its own Language!

x - + - =

Vocabulary for maths terms need to be well defined.

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Using Mathematical Signs

48 is the answer.

Find the question

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Using Your Maths Eyes!

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Numeracy Tutor’s Toolbox!Newspapers MapsMenus CataloguesReceipts Basic CalculatorsMeasuring Jugs Pack of CardsMetre tape measures SudokuRulers Coins and NotesThermometers Pay SlipsWeighing Scales Digital CameraCompass ClockTake photos of numbers in nature.

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Online Resources

• www.writeon.ie• www.literacytools.ie• www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise• www.skillsworkshop.org• www.southdublinlibraries.ie/podcast• www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/math

s• www.haveyougotmathseyes.com

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Remember!Have fun.