Subjects
Grades
The lists of key concepts were drawn up by researchers at the UNESCO Chair in Curriculum Development. For further information: https://cudc.uqam.ca/.
When it comes to mathematics, work with your child on mathematical activities related to everyday life at home. Prioritize the use of tangible materials (Legos, peas, candy, cans or cardboard) or concrete situations. Many mathematical activities can be carried out at the same time as an art, science or technology activity.
Here's a list of math concepts and strategies to help prepare your child for the upcoming school year. For a complete list of math concepts in Cycle 2, consult the Grades 3 and 4 Review Guides.
In Cycle 2, arithmetic concepts generally remain the same as in Cycle 1, but increase in complexity. Here are a few examples:
Natural numbers below 100,000
Decimal numbers up to the hundredths order (tenths, hundredths)
Fractions from a whole or a collection of objects: reading and writing fractions, numerator and denominator, equivalence of fractions, comparison of fractions to 0, ½ and 1.
Addition and subtraction of integers with regrouping (formal method with 4-digit numbers)
Multiplication and division of a 3-digit natural number by a 1-digit number
Addition and subtraction of decimal numbers whose result of does not exceed the order of hundredths
The study of figures and solids continues through hands-on activities and concrete contexts with your child.
Plane figures (square, rectangle, triangle, circle, rhombus): classification, description
Identification and construction of parallel and perpendicular lines
Associate a prism or pyramid with its net
Measurement of objects present in the student's environment (greater lengths, more precision, surfaces, volumes) continues. Here are a few concepts to work on:
Measuring length (mm, cm, dm, m)
Surface measurement (introduction to the concept of area without formula)
Area comparison
Estimation
Introduction to volume (without formula)
In Cycle 2, we continue to introduce concepts that can help children investigate the environment. These activities can be carried out in a context of scientific investigation. Here are a few examples:
Data collection
Organizing data in tables
Representing data in bar graphs, pictographs or broken line graphs
It's important to point out that the intention of school programs is not exclusively aligned with the memorization of mathematical knowledge or calculation techniques. Beyond the notions presented in the tables above, we also recommend that parents place their children in a variety of problem-solving situations.
Problem solving is a fundamental approach that is at the centre of many programs, such as those in mathematics and science.
Generally speaking, here are the steps involved:
Understanding the problem
Devising a plan
Carry out the plan
Analyze the results of the plan in light of the original problem.
With your child, it could be interesting to carry out different investigative activities.
While it's a good idea to limit daily screen time, it's also worth noting that certain video games, whether serious or educational, develop certain problem-solving strategies in whole or in part.