Ladybird Maths vs Space Numbers Basic Facts

Ladybird Maths uses the symmetrical image of a lady bird and her spots to teach and build mental mathematics number facts of doubling and halving. The importance of recalling doubling and halving facts relates to the speed, accuracy and ease these number facts bring to addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems. Ladybird Maths Teaching Module can be used anyway you wish. An important concept before using the App is to discuss symmetry in nature. A ladybird has symmetrical spots, therefore spots must be placed on each of the ladybird's wings equally. You might ask: - Put one dot on each of the ladybirds wings, how many altogether? - Put ten spots on the ladybird. Is there a way to write an equation showing what you have just done e.g. 5 +5. - If a child puts 3 spots, 7 spots, discuss why this is "unfair" sharing. Discuss what fair sharing might look like. - Can you make a list of the doubles? The following sections can be completed independently or with adult assistance. =Count= This task introduces counting the spots on the ladybird. Initially, students may count each spot by touching them 'one-to one', then they may come to recognise the spots automatically, this is called 'subitising'. Some students may count one side, then double the number. =Doubles= The task asks students to place counters on the lady bug to create a double and then type in on the keypad the correct answer. Early counters will place the counters on the ladybug then proceed to count from 1, this is called one-to-one counting and is a very important skill not to be rushed over, as it becomes an important means of checking for accuracy later on. Students may then place counters on the ladybird, then 'count on' from the highest number e.g. if four was already there, they may count 5, 6, 7, 8. Some students may count the spots twice, then use the keypad. Finally students will subitise the spots (know the number automatically), then recall the doubles fact. =Halves= This section asks students to count half of the spots that appear, then use the keypad to answer. Some students may quickly come to realise that this means counting one-to one the spots on one wing, whilst others will subitise the number on one wing. The keypad also encourages early calculator skills. =Fair / unfair= This task introduces the new vocabulary fair and unfair. Students are asked to decide whether the spots are shared fairly or unfairly. Spots may be shared across one ladybird's wings or across three ladybirds. This topic is designed as a precusor to division as sharing. It is important that students can visualise the unfair or fair spots. =Sharing= Students are asked to share a given amount of spots across one, two or three ladybirds, then select how many spots each ladybird has on the keypad. Student initially may share out the spots one at a time, whilst later they may come to subitise or count the spots then move the correct number to each ladybird. Some students may neglect moving of the spots and attain the answer, pressing the keypad answer straight away. =Multiply= A reversal of sharing, the spots are placed on 1, 2, 3 or 4 ladybirds, students answer with how many spots altogether. Early counters will count all of the spots starting from 1, whilst more sophisticated counters may use repeated addition e.g. 2+2+2+2. Later students will notice patterns to skip count or solve the problem as 2x4. The keypad is used to answer the problem.

Space Numbers is a multiplayer game helping children learn addition and subtraction number facts. Players learn the basic facts by capturing numbers to reach a total. The player who gets to the total and taps “Blast Off” first wins! To progress and succeed at math children need to be able to quickly and easily recall number facts. Space Numbers is a fun way to practice this key skill. Features • Multiplayer game, suitable for one, two, three or four players • 10 games all focused on the key math concept of place value which is vital for success • All games can be played twice for free. An in-app purchase will unlock unlimited game play. • Each game is a little harder than the previous game • Game 1 and Game 9 can be used to work out if the app is at the right level of difficulty To work out if this app is at the right level of challenge try Game 1 and Game 9. If Game 1 is too hard or Game 9 is too easy this app is not at the right level. The free version of this app allows each game to be played twice. Games 1 and Game 9 can be played unlimited times for free. How to Play 1. Select a game from the menu. 2. One, two, three or four players select a coloured corner base. 3. Slide a finger from your base completely around a number. 4. Make sure you completely circle a number out in space. 5. Collect numbers to add up to the total in the green shape. 6. If you collect more numbers than you need, click on the x below Blast off! to release all of the numbers, and start again. 7. When you have collected numbers equal to the total click on Blast off! First player to do this wins. This app focuses on adding numbers and develops children’s fine motor skills or dexterity. Being able to quickly and easily recall number facts, draw and write are essential skills needed to progress and succeed at school and beyond. Game 1 - Make 10 with numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Game 2 - Make 10 with numbers 1, 6, 7 and 8 Game 3 - Make 20 with numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Game 4 - Make 7, 8, 9, 11 or 12 with numbers 2, 3 and 5 Game 5 - Make 13 to 18 with numbers 2, 3 and 5 Game 6 - Make 40, 50 … with numbers 5 and 10 Game 7 - Make 27 to 39 with numbers 3, 4, 5 and 10 Game 8 - Make 40, 45 … with numbers 5 and 10 Game 9 - Make 29, 39 … with numbers -1, 1, 5 and 10 Game 10 - Make 1.0 with numbers 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 Math Adventures is a New Zealand company helping children learn mathematics. We develop apps that focus on the key concepts that need to be fully understood to progress and succeed in mathematics. Our apps range from learning to count up to understanding and using fractions and decimals, with each app focusing on one key concept. We believe: • Everyone can learn mathematics • Playing educationally rich games and apps improves understanding • Learning math should be fun and exciting, a rewarding adventure Our growing variety of apps is research based and classroom tested to make sure they help children learn. Space Numbers is part of our ‘play and learn’ series, which are games high in educational value where children learn as they play. We are also currently developing ‘learning’ apps which use the power of the iPad to help children understand and learn key math concepts and to unravel misunderstandings.