In the EYFS and Key Stage One, we use a resource called Numicon, which helps children to understand number and arithmetic by using a set of colourful plastic pieces representing number ideas, and involves parents in helping their children make progress in maths.
Numicon is a curriculum proof, multi-sensory approach, built on research that raises achievement across all ability levels. With problem-solving, reasoning and conversation at its heart, Numicon perfectly embodies the aims of the new Primary National Curriculum 2014 for mathematics:
Develops fluency by using a visual, practical base to develop conceptual understanding and fluent recall.
Helps children to reason mathematically through the use of concrete objects and spoken language to explain and justify.
Develops children into confident problem-solvers.
‘Numicon At Home’ Sacks
We have a couple of Numicon take home sacks. Each Numicon sack contains a series of activities and games for you and your child to play at home for up to 15 minutes at a time. By doing some of the activities in the bag, you will be reinforcing what your child is learning at school.
We have bought lots of resources for all classes to access, although we have focused mainly on the Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage One and Lower Key Stage Two/Special Educational Needs intervention work.
In each bag, there is a parent booklet, a set of laminated activity cards and a range of practical resources you can use to play games and help reinforce your child’s understanding of number at home. We also have an additional ‘At Home’ activity box with simple activities to do when your child has only just started to use Numicon. The activity cards range in difficultly with 1.1 being easiest. All activities can reinforce and/or extend your child and you will quickly see what which activities are the right level to challenge your child. Please ask your class teacher about any concepts to focus on if you are unsure where to start. We have also attached the activity sheets below.
We hope you enjoy using the Numicon resources and games at home!
If you would like to find out more about Numicon, have a look at their website www.numicon.com where there is lots of information including some short video clips explaining the approach.