Developing a strong grounding in number is essential so that all children develop the necessary building blocks to excel mathematically. Children should be able to count confidently, develop a deep understanding of the numbers to 10, the relationships between them and the patterns within those numbers. By providing frequent and varied opportunities to build and apply this understanding - such as using manipulatives, including small pebbles and tens frames for organising counting - children will develop a secure base of knowledge and vocabulary from which mastery of mathematics is built. In addition, it is important that the curriculum includes rich opportunities for children to develop their spatial reasoning skills across all areas of mathematics including shape, space and measures. It is important that children develop positive attitudes and interests in mathematics, look for patterns and relationships, spot connections, ‘have a go’, talk to adults and peers about what they notice and not be afraid to make mistakes. 

Activities at Home

• Play board games like snakes and ladders to practice counting 

• Make a game out of sock sorting after doing the washing. Talk about the patterns you see. Can your child match pairs of socks together? 

• Ask your child when you have a problem e.g. I only have 2 apples but there are 4 of us. What shall we do?

• Sing some number rhymes e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, once I caught a fish alive