Numicon maths programme

Numicon is an inclusive, multi sensory approach to teaching maths, which is suitable for all children, from gifted to children with special needs.

Colourful plastic, structured shapes to represent numbers, along with ‘pegs’ for pattern–making, matching number lines and other equipment, gives children practical, tactile equipment necessary for them to visualise maths concepts. The apparatus focuses on Action, Imagery and Conversation.

The Numicon shapes help teachers and children to communicate their ideas. This enables teachers to ‘see’ a pupils’ understanding, which is ideal for formative assessment. The Numicon programme is a researched-based programme based on sound educational practice. It was designed by a group of educators in the United Kingdom, where it is now widely used.   

The programme is based on the three main areas of learning for maths, counting/calculating, sequence/patterns and number.  The children are encouraged to learn maths language, understand mathematical relationships, do calculations without counting and make connections to use and apply their understanding of maths.  Children are encouraged to communicate their thinking verbally followed by recording their work. This reinforces their learning and provides a valuable link in the step to working with numbers in an abstract way. Numicon can be used closely in conjunction with Cuisenaire rods. 

Teachers find that pupils are motivated by the imagery and develop positive attitudes to maths. Research has shown that the gains made by children, using Numicon, in their early years of school are sustained through to secondary school.

The Numicon programme is easy to follow, with clear step-by-step instructions illustrated with photographs.   
 
Numicon Programme
 
Numicon in the Nursery – Pre school
 
Foundation Level – Stages 0 - 3
 
Kit One – Stages 3 to 4
 
Kit Two – Stages 5 to 6
 
Kit Three – Stages 5 to 7
 
Closing the Gap – Special & Learning Needs
 
Numicon Intervention – Learning Support
 
Investigations with Numicon* – Gifted and Talented Ages 8 to 11
 
 *The Numicon Project was established for the proportion of seemingly bright students who struggle with the recall of basic facts and remembering the problem solving strategies and when to employ them.  Numicon complements the NZ Numeracy Project, supporting all children, particularly those who have working memory difficulties or children who have difficulty explaining their strategies. 

Numicon Intervention is a 12-15 week programme for students six - 11 years of age who are struggling with numbers. It is designed for RTLB’s and Senco’s to train their teacher aides to administer the programme and transition the students back into their regular class.

For further information about Numicon and upcoming workshops see www.numicon.co.nz