Numbers are used to describe quantities, to count, and to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. It’s so important to understand numbers and know how to combine them to help solve problems in all areas of maths.
Count everything! Count toys, forks, knives and socks! Count forwards and backwards together from different starting places. Use household items to practise adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.
Sing counting songs and read counting books. Counting books also help to capture children’s imagination by using colourful and imaginative pictures.
Discover the many ways in which numbers are used inside and outside your home. Show your child how numbers are used on the TV set, microwave and the telephone.
Ask your child to help you solve everyday number problems. "We need six tomatoes and we have only two. How many more do we need to buy?" “Your Aunt and Uncle are coming for dinner, how many plates will we need?"
Practise "skip counting". Together, count by two’s and five’s. Ask your child how far your child can count in ten’s.
Play games using dice and playing cards. Try rolling dice and adding or multiplying the numbers that come up.
