Who is Numicon for?
Numicon is designed to give children the understanding of number ideas and number relationships that is essential for success in maths. We use a series of structured patterns (Numicon Shapes) to represent numbers, as part of a progressive teaching programme.
When approaching Numicon for the first time, it is vital that pupils of all abilities have a solid understanding of the ideas covered in the Firm Foundations Kit or Closing the Gap with Numicon Kit before moving on to Kits 1 and 2.
Children really enjoy working with Numicon, which should be used as part of their maths work. Numicon can be used for whole class teaching, small groups and for individual support. Teachers report a marked increase in children’s confi dence when they are working with Numicon and that leads to raised achievement.
Age Ranges and Abilities
Numicon was originally developed for all children in EYFS and KS1, however, many teachers use Numicon successfully throughout KS2. The teaching programme has also proved very successful for pupils who are experiencing difficulties including those who have SENs.
The age ranges below are for guidance only and each child's needs should be assessed on a case by case basis. Numicon Kits are widely used for older children that are struggling with maths.
| Numicon Kit: | End-user ages: |
| 1st Steps with Numicon - At Home Kit | 3-5 (pre-schoolers) |
| Firm Foundations Kit | 3-5 |
| Firm Foundations for One to One | 3-5 (Home Learning) |
| Kit 1 | 5-7 |
| Kit 1 for One to One | 5-7/SENs |
| Kit 2 | 7+ |
| Kit 2 for One to One | 7+/SENs |
| Closing the Gap with Numicon for Group Work | Any Age/SENs |
| Closing the Gap with Numcion for One to One | Any Age/SENs |
Class Kits and One to One Kits
Each Numicon Kit is available in two sizes; Class Kits and One to One Kits.The Class Kits are designed to deliver the teaching programme in the classroom setting. The One to One Kits are intended for individual use or for groups of up to three pupils usually for learning support.
Closing the Gap with Numicon is also available in two sizes; Group Work Kit and One to One Kit. The Group Work version is intended for use with up to six pupils with SEN. The One to One version is designed for no more than two pupils.
What is included in a Kit?
Sufficient Numicon equipment for demonstration, display and teaching. In addition to the plastic components each kit also contains a File of Teaching Materials, which includes the following items:
Getting Started Guide – A useful introduction for new users
Teaching Guide – A vital part of each Kit. Includes guidance on how to address the Key mathematical ideas that underpin the Activities.
Programme of Activities – Easy to follow and clearly illustrated step-by-step activities.
Assessment Tools – A variety of tools to track pupils’ progress and assess at which point in the teaching programme they need to start.
Photocopy Masters – Master copies of resources used in many of the activities.
Who is using Numicon already?
There are at least fi ve thousand schools in UK already using Numicon. As a research based programme Numicon is respected by many educators and the independent evidence base is growing. Numicon is recommended by many Local Authorities in England and our overseas user base is increasing too.
If you still have questions then we are always happy to help.
Numicon at Home
As we know, children’s early experiences at home and school have a huge impact on their later achievement in maths.
Numicon for Early Years Foundation Stage
As we know, children’s early experiences at home and school have a huge impact on their later achievement in maths. This is why we have carefully developed our First Steps with Numicon and Numicon Firm Foundations Kits for children aged 3-5.
Numicon for Key Stage 1... and beyond
The multi-sensory teaching programmes in both Kit 1 and Kit 2 help children to secure understanding and help teachers to meet the Primary Strategy Objectives for Years 1 and 2
Numicon for Special Needs and Support Teaching
Numicon’s small steps teaching programme with its use of strong visual imagery and the emphasis on pattern and language is proving successful for pupils who are experiencing diffi culty including those who have special needs.
Additional Numicon teaching materials, ideas and resources to help you get more from Numicon.
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Numicon’s strong visual imagery with emphasis on pattern, multi-sensory approach and ‘small steps’ teaching programme is proving successful for pupils with many different special needs.
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