At LCPS we use the CPA (Concrete/Pictorial/Abstract) approach in mathematics, to help our pupils gain a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
In Primary 7 we have been learning about volume.
Firstly, our boys and girls used 1 centimetre cubes to create irregular 3 dimensional shapes. They counted the cubes and recorded the volume of each shape. As they progressed to regular 3 dimensional shapes (cuboids and cubes), the children realised that they no longer needed to count all the cubes to find the volume. The accepted formula (lxbxh) was worked out by the children as the quickest method of finding out the volume of these regular shapes, and they soon discovered that they no longer needed to build a shape in order calculate its volume.
By using practical materials to promote understanding, the children were able to cope with abstract concepts; they also had plenty of fun- as you can see from these photos.
