In classes 5 and 6 the subject widens. Whole numbers give way to fractions and decimals, factors and multiples, HCF and LCM, angles and the first negative numbers. Many children who were comfortable until now begin to wobble here, usually over fractions.
The games for this stage are about number properties and about seeing: the size of a fraction, the size of an angle, which numbers are prime. Each one aims at a common weak spot.
What to look for at this age
- Fractions as numbers. Knowing roughly where 3/4 or 2/5 lies between 0 and 1, and which of two fractions is larger.
- Factors and multiples without mixing the two words. Our neighbour site Factors explains them with working.
- Primes up to 50 recognised at sight.
- Estimation. Judging an angle or an answer before measuring or calculating.
Making practice count
At this age children can reflect on their own mistakes. After a round, look at the list of missed questions and ask what went wrong each time: a slip, a forgotten fact or a misunderstanding. A slip needs care, a fact needs practice and a misunderstanding needs a conversation. Telling them apart is half the cure.
Other stages
Maths Games