FS/KS1 numeracy: number recognition

Number recognition is vital for preparing young children for a range of basic mathematical concepts such as addition and subtraction. The subject is usually taught in the foundation stage but there are many children that may need to revisit it at the start of key stage 1. The first thing any teacher or assistant will need when tackling this area is a clear set of flash cards to help get children familiar with the lines and shapes that make up each numeral. The website Have Fun Teaching has two sets which you can use, one with only the number itself and one with objects for children to count if they get stuck.

With young children it’s best to use these flash cards as often as possible to help them improve. A good idea is to quickly test children during any spare moments, such as the free time before dinner, or the end of the day. While this practice will help students improve over time, there are also some educational games and numeracy activities you could try on the carpet as a whole class or in smaller ability groups.

Broken Numbers

Print out and laminate a set of number cards like the ones above then cut each one in two. Hand a piece to each member of the class, get them to study the shape of their number, then set the children off to find a partner with a matching piece. This is great for a whole class activity and as children improve you could add a stopwatch into the mix to keep up the pace of the lesson. The good thing about this game is its flexibility, if you want to adapt it for ability groups or individuals then simply cut each number into three or four and ask the children to fit the pieces together like a jigsaw.

Counters

Using counters or buttons is a good way to assess number recognition for small groups or individuals. Simply hold up one of your number flashcards and ask the child to count out the right amount of your chosen object.

Bingo

For slightly older children still having trouble with their numbers it might be worth trying Bingo to get them engaged. It’s easy enough to make some cards but if you’re in a rush use Worksheet Genius to make them. Its got loads of custom options so you can target the numbers your pupils struggle with the most.

Number Hunt

Another numeracy activity that could be used with either a class or group is the number hunt. Post up numbers around your class or outdoor area then challenge children to find the number you shout out. When you’ve got all the numbers back make sure you order them as a group and practice counting so children become more familiar with the process.

Using ICT

There’s quite a few educational games out there which you could get children using in your continuous provision or ICT lessons. Try Fishy Count, 10 Fat Sausages or Bugz on the Priory Woods website to get pupils familiar with numbers 1-10.

Tags:

Maths

Numeracy

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