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Grade R
Story sums
Story sums, problem solving sums and detective sums all refer to the same thing.  These sums are language based.  It is imperative that you start exploring, investigating and playing with these kinds of sums as early as possible.  Many children who find the written word a challenge, find story sums very tricky when they are required to read them. This is because they have to read the sum, internalise it, choose the operation necessary – addition, subtraction, multiplication or division -  and then calculate the answer to the sum.
By playing with these sums orally with your child from a young age, he or she will get used to hearing the language involved and become familiar with the expectations.  It is important to make these a part of your daily life and incorporate them into everyday activities.
·       Start at Pre-school level with simple age appropriate and relevant problems.  Mom gives Sarah and Anna 2 cupcakes each.  How many cupcakes do they have altogether?  The word altogether implies that you have to put numbers together, therefore it is an addition or plus sum.   
·       For example, Mom gives Jessica 3 sweets and she eats 1.  How many sweets does Jessica have left?  The word left implies that you have to take something away; it is therefore a minus, subtraction or take-away sum.  Talk your child through this.
·       Use concrete objects, so that your child can see exactly what is required.  Jared has 4 balloons.  2 popped.  How many are left?  Use actual balloons and physically take them away so that your child can see that they are no longer there and he/she can physically only see 2 left.
Preschool, Grade R, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3
Getting ready for the first day of school Your child’s first day of school is a big step. However, there are plenty of practical things that you can do to prepare them for their big day. Practical tips Tell your child what you enjoyed about your school days and talk positively about starting school. Involve your child in choosing things... Read the full article
Grade R
Story sums
Story sums, problem solving sums and detective sums all refer to the same thing.  These sums are language based.  It is imperative that you start exploring, investigating and playing with these kinds of sums as early as possible.  Many children who find the written word a challenge, find story sums very tricky when... Read the full article
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7
Understanding question words
It is important to look for the question words (the words that tell you what to do) to correctly understand what the examiner is asking. Once you have read the question once circle the question word and then underline any other important key words. The combination of the circled and underlined words will tell... Read the full article
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7


So you’re ready. You’ve done your revision and practised thousands of exam questions. Now it’s time to face the exam paper. Here are some tips for surviving in the exam room:

Keep calm

Try not to panic – after all, you are well prepared! Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and count... Read the full article
Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7
John Bransby is a former principal and examiner and is currently a Maths and Science Educational consultant


Studying Maths and Science, and other subjects that involve calculations, require a slightly different approach to studying other subjects. Here are some tips for doing well in these subjects:


1.... Read the full article

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