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Numicon

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Objectives

To introduce Numicon

To explore ways to use Numicon to support teaching and learning in mathematics

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What is Numicon?

The Numicon Maths system is a multi-sensory approach to arithmetic teaching in the Foundation Phase and early KS2.

It is brightly coloured, so pleasing to the eye and interesting for children.

The holes are finger size, making it easy to handle and manipulate.

Pegs fit fingers It is weighted, which helps understanidng of

certain mathematical concepts eg = or balance

It is robust so can be used in a variety of situations including outdoors.

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Some Problems

Maths uses familiar words in an unfamiliar context eg difference.

Numbers are abstract ideas … all we can show children are number representation.

Numerals are arbitrary symbols1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Numicon has structured images. Making Numbers Real

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Numicon teaching activities

meaningful context playful with appropriate level of

challenge multi-sensory interaction with others – peers and

teachers which moves children on in their thinking

not designed to work alone so children benefit from working with others, discussing their thinking and reasoning

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Numicon helps with …

Tessellation- patterns on the base board Visualisation- the shapes impress the mind’s

eye – improving mental maths Language – Spontaneous- integral part of

learning Concrete – visual, tangible – develops

understanding of number Matching:

plates to plates on the number linerandom matchingplates to patterns on base boardfitting pegs to reinforce patterns

Making maths fun!

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Numicon helps children to …

manipulate observe and notice explore patterns make connections ‘see’ a number system develop ideas, techniques, skills and

experiences that add up to mental impressions of maths ideas

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ChildrenChildren are stronger with pattern than with

memory, but we do more memory work!

Seeing a pattern is at the heart of mathematical thinking.

Using a pattern 2 + 3 = 512 + 3 = 1522 + 3 = 25

Children benefit from learning tables where there is a pattern and they

need the pattern pointed out to them.

5X and 10X2X and 4X4X and 8X3X and 6X

Children need to be encouraged to see and make connections.

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Children do not think with mathematical concepts.

Concept image of 5

5 + 5 = 10 20 - 5 = 15 2 x 5 = 10 20 – 5 - 15 ½ of 10 = 5 10 + 5 + 5 = 20

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Introducing Numicon

Numicon: Children should have the opportunity to explore Numicon freely before they will be ready or interested in using it in a directed way.

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First ActivitiesThe first activities are designed to introduce the Numicon shapes without using number names or numerals.

Match the shapes

Cover the board

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Activities

1 - Put one set of shapes in order in front of you and 1 set in

the feely bag. One person points to a shape on the table

Partner has to feel for the matching shape in the bag.-What did you need to do for this activity?

2 - Find 2 shapes to match the dark blue shape. Can you find all

the other pairs of shapes that match the dark blue shape?

-How did you do this?

3 - Cover the peg board with shapes. -What skills are being developed?

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Numicon in Firm Foundations

There are 9 broad stages Counting Introducing Numicon shapes Ordering Numicon shapes Focusing on patterns of Numicon shapes Connecting Numicon shapes with number

names and numerals Working with Numicon patterns Introducing addition Introducing subtraction Starting to think mathematically

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Numicon Ideas

Activities are organised into three strands:

PatternNumbers and the Number

systemCalculating

Ways to use Numicon

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Moving beyond counting

Need to see numbers as wholes e.g. to see ‘six’ as an organised pattern that is whole and complete in itself. Visual pattern of Numicon

How each individual whole number relates to other whole numbers is important

Organised wholes e.g. It shows how each whole number relates to other ‘whole’ numbers

Need to know ‘How many?’ without counting Visual representation of ‘odd’ and ‘even’

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Numicon Home Bag