Primval Mathematics PC FE1 FE2

Numeration, arithmetic and geometry are all taught in a rigorous but fun way.

Primval teaches children how to make calculations by starting with the smallest whole numbers and progressively going up to 999. This first Primval software covers addition, subtraction and the enumeration of successive whole number groups, (skipping over numbers in 2s, 3s, 5s and 10s). The basis of the calculations are made practical by short lessons and active exercises called Badix. These activities use fun objects which are easy to manipulate. They represent single numbers, tens and hundreds. Each activity using these tools is then carried out in parallel on the blackboard and transferred to the Solution. Using these tools helps a child to understand the use of a zero and the meaning of carried numbers in additions and subtractions.

Three chapters are devoted to geometry. The pupil can use the basic tools which can be manipulated with one finger: point, lettering, pencil, rubber, ruler, set-square, graduated compass, a palette of colours. The main exercises involve drawing triangles, quadrilaterals, rectangles and squares. One exercise involves lining up a row of points. Several exercises use the compass to draw circles or to measure lengths. The radius and the diameter of a circle are introduced together with its main properties.

Primval applies the Evalutel method. Every exercise is corrected step by step after the second mistake or if the child cannot find the answer. The mark obtained is shown as the child works through the exercise. The marks obtained are saved for each chapter and in detail. This provides instant feedback on the child’s level. In most of the exercises, the data is chosen at random which means that the child can do the exercise again and again with new data. The time spent and the marks obtained are shown on Primval’s main screen.

It is meant for primary school pupils in the Preparatory class, the 1st and 2nd elementary classes.