1. Numicon

2. Objectives
To introduce Numicon
To explore ways to use Numicon to support teaching and learning in mathematics

3. 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.

4. Numicon has structured images.
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 symbols
Numicon has structured images.
Making Numbers Real

5. Next slide >>

6. 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

7. 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 line
random matching
plates to patterns on base board
fitting pegs to reinforce patterns
Making maths fun!

8. 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

9. Children are stronger with pattern than with memory,
but we do more memory work!
Children
Seeing a pattern is at the heart of mathematical thinking.
Children need to be encouraged to see and make connections.
Children benefit from learning tables where there is a pattern and they need the pattern pointed out to them.
5X and 10X
2X and 4X
4X and 8X
3X and 6X
Using a pattern
2 + 3 = 5
= 15
= 25

10. Children do not think with mathematical concepts.
Concept image of 5
5 + 5 = = x 5 = 10
20 – ½ of 10 = = 20

11. 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.

12. First Activities
The first activities are designed to introduce the Numicon shapes without using number names or numerals.
Match the shapes
Cover the board

13. 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?

14. 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

15. Pattern Numbers and the Number system Calculating Ways to use Numicon
Numicon Ideas
Activities are organised into three strands:
Pattern
Numbers and the Number system
Calculating
Ways to use Numicon

16. 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’

17. Numicon Home Bag