Challenges with Numicon  - Investigations for children in Years 4-8 or earlier for gifted and talented students

We are delighted to be publishing these activities which exploit the mathematical potential of the Numicon Imagery. All the activities start at a low threshold and use the Numicon Shapes and Number Rods as a starting point to allow the majority of pupils to be involved at a basic level. However the activities have been designed as open-ended investigations and give plenty of opportunity for gifted and talented students to develop their skills and the take the challenges to higher levels. Amongst other ideas the challenges focus on the relative values of numbers which are shown clearly by the Numicon Shapes, in ways not provided by numerals. By using the Numicon Shapes and Number Rods investigation is dynamic, helping children to recognize that numbers form a highly organized system full of many patterns. 

Each challenge can be taken to higher levels by the most able children in Years 3-6, although some of the challenges can be extended to Intermediate Levels. The investigations give children opportunities to use and apply their number understanding and to extend their mathematical thinking. There are opportunities for conjecture, trial, improvement, logical thinking about numbers and careful mathematical deduction. Children will also see the advantage of setting out their work systematically to reveal emerging patterns and demonstrate their thinking.

Sample page see here

There are three purchasing options:

+ The teaching binder can be ordered separately Code INV $57.77 excluding GST- A special price until December.

+ The teaching resources can be ordered separately Code INVP $310.00 excluding GST

+ The teaching binder and the teaching resources can be ordered together. Code INVNK $ 390.00 excluding GST

 Buy Investigations with Numicon

The Numicon Project

The Numicon Project is a collaborative endeavour to facilitate children’s understanding and enjoyment of maths.

The Project was founded in the daily experience of intelligent children having real difficulty with maths, the frequent underestimation of the complexity of the ideas that we ask young children to face and a recognition of the importance of maths to them and to society as a whole.

We appreciate the complexity of these early number ideas and seek to foster the self-belief necessary to achieve in the face of difficulty; we are not about ‘making maths easy’.

We believe that the combination of action, imagery and conversation helps children to structure their experiences, which is such a vital skill for both their mathematical and their overall development.

By watching and listening to what children do and say, we and many others are finding that our developing multi-sensory approach provides learners with the opportunity to play to their strengths, thereby releasing their potential to enjoy, understand and achieve in maths. This enjoyment in achievement is also shared by teachers and parents.

We strive to support teachers’ subject knowledge and pedagogy with teaching materials, training and ongoing feedback as we continue to develop a better understanding of how we can work together to encourage all learners in the vital early stages of their own mathematical journey.  Investigations with Numicon is the first step in this journey.

View your shopping basket or browse other items.