We are a family-run business licensed from Oxford University Press to solely distribute and promote Numicon in New Zealand. We regard it a privilege to support educators and families to use this award-winning and effective programme.

How did we come to this?

In 2003 the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association approached me to run a trial of the Numicon programme knowing that I am a teacher with considerable experience here in NZ and USA. A New Zealand family in the UK had been using this programme and wanted other NZ'ers to experience the success they had  seen with their daughter. (Their daughter has gone on to pass Calculus in Year 13 in an NZ secondary school and is attending university in Australia!) They donated several sets to be shared on a loan basis.  (These sets can be borrowed from the NZDSA for one year.  Many families and schools take up this offer every year. www.nzdsa.org.nz)

We could see the potential for a long term involvement. My wonderful husband  believed in me and could see how this new venture could be an enrichment to me and to many other families. He was right!  It was one of those, 'God decisions'.

We have discovered that even though this programme was written for normal developing children, it is also a wonderful tool for children with learning difficulties.

Both of our daughters have learning difficulties, even though they are smart.  One daughter is gifted with dyslexia and dyscalculia, and the other has Down syndrome. They both learn the same way -as visual learners.

This programme continues to marvel me. I know of no other programme that reaches all children- regardless of their ability, in demonstrating 'number' and the understanding of mathematics.

I had the joy and privilege of homeschooling for four years.  During that time, I discovered many families in the homeschooling community educate children with learning difficulties. Many of my friends introduced me to innovative programmes activities and resources that have enriched our experience of mathematics.

Maths education has to have a reason- that of equipping children to use it well in their community.  The lessons then must be 'living maths' reaching into the purpose of learning maths and giving children a sense of value in their learning as well as a joy of mathematics.

We have discovered patterns all around us. By exploring the museums, art galleries, nature reserves, different cultures and the university, we have found some wonderful principles of maths through history taking us into the future.

As Galileo stated,

 ‘Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe.’

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Numicon is the top- preferred programme in the UK and many other countries around the world. To read the history of how Numicon came about, click here.

The Down syndrome community has taken this programme to nearly every country in the world. We want to make is easily available to you.  The products are organised in such a way as to make it accessible to everyone.  It is an investment for a lifetime and has use in a family for many years.

If you find that the cost prevents you from making a purchase, please contact us.  We can let you know about a number of charities and trusts that can help you. For home schooling families, we can set up payment in instalments.

All our orders are couriered to you because we know that once you order, you are very keen to begin using it!  When you place your order, we endeavour to process it within 3 working days.  If there is a delay, we will let you know.

You are welcome to ask for a product to view provided it is returned in a saleable condition within 30 days you will cover the cost of the freight. Purchase Nunmicon and other great educational resources from www.edushop.nz

We also provide training and trained consultants to also support you.  If you would like to join our consulting team- please let us know!

There is no 'magic in the plastic', but training does mean that you gain more from this programme; it's a hand-up to getting started with confidence.

We invite you to join us to make a 'clear image for maths' in your child's experience!

 

Margi Leech Dip Teaching, Higher Diploma, member of NZAMT  

Margi has taught in New Zealand and internationally from New Entrants to secondary with a specialist interest in Music.  She was part of the team writing 'Musikit' back in the 1970-80's.  She has been a choir and musical festival conductor and has lead musical teams into competitions and community events. Her leadership in Girls' Brigade, Duke Of Edinburgh and other community activites brought her into a wider understanding of working with people.  It is often said that music and maths go together!

Margi has always had a passion for seeing childreach reach their full potential.  As a classroom teacher maths became a special interest. Her long term desire has always been to see students succeed with understanding of this amazing subject. Her passion for all children is now extended to the children of New Zealand; Numicon enables this.

She is a founding and past member of the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association Educational Advisory Group. Her desire to support her colleagues in education sees her currently presenting courses on successfully teaching children with Down syndrome and dyslexia through NZ.

Margi sees great results with her own daughters in maths and hears often from families and teachers thanking her for the gift that Numicon has been to their children and students.

 

Acknowledgements of the UK writers and contributors