Numbers up to a million

Dear all,

We have learnt about numbers up to a million today, building on what we have done for numbers up to 100,000 yesterday.

The main concept for today is on how to write out in words and numerals numbers up to a million. The key difficulty identified is that some of you still have difficulty writing out the numbers in words. Let us recap:

In the number 1 103 451, we break up the number into groups of 3 digits each starting from the right.
'451' is one group,
'103' is one group
and '1' is one group.

Starting from the number in the largest place value first, we write the number as 'One million, one hundred and three thousand, four hundred and fifty-one'.

Common mistake made by some of you in the activity book:
'One million, one hundred, three thousand, four hundred and fifty-one'.
* Can you see that 'One hundred, three thousand' and 'One hundred and three thousand' has a huge difference?
'One hundred, three thousand' is the same as 100 + 3000 = 3100
'One hundred and three thousand' is the same as 103 000.
Do take note of this.
Write the number in words is a question that is commonly tested. As such, do practise and work on it until you get it right. Remember, common mistakes are often highlighted so that you can take note and not make them. These mistakes might be what you make daily and if you do not correct them, you will not get the question correct.

We have also started out group points system in which it is meant to help motivate you and get you to work together in your groups. Work hard for it and enjoy the process. Remember that group points are not everything and that the process of journeying together as a group and as a class is worth more than the points. It is also what I am looking out for. I do not want you to get overly competitive. :)

Few things to note:

• Even in your daily work, I expect discipline. As such, little things like your handwriting (especially when writing your numbers) must be neat and tidy. I do not want to have to guess or decipher your handwriting. 
• When it comes to word problems, number statements are very important. You need to write a complete word statement. This is to also help train your English.
• Highlighting of key words helps you be more focused and specific in looking for the answer. Many of you have not done so in practice 1. I rather you spend more time looking for clues and be focused than to move on quickly without checking. Many of you have been very careless. 

Sincerely,

Mr Nelson Ong