Numicon: A Complete Guide to the Hands-On Maths Resource

What is Numicon and How Does it Work?

Numicon is a multi-sensory maths teaching resource developed by Oxford University Press that uses physical plastic shapes with holes to represent numbers. Each shape contains one more hole than the previous number, helping children visualise number patterns and relationships through touch, sight, and manipulation.

If you are a primary teacher the chances are that somewhere in your school there are some Numicon . For those new to teaching, we are going to give you a bit of background into this mathematical teaching resource.

We'll go through a bit of the theory before digging deeper into the practical applications of this multi-sensory approach. In recent years, there has been a growing evidence base in the field of embodied cognition. This fascinating area of research is concerned with the idea that children don't just think all alone in their head.

The mind is connected to a complicated nervous system that has all sorts of sensory input. Using our hands, eyes and voices ena bles children to use rich learning experiences. It's these types of sensory activities that help make abstract concepts accessible through scaffolding learning and making them more concrete. Along with other effective teaching tools such as dienes blocks, these types of visual learning strategies enable primary school children to access what are sometimes quite abstract maths concepts.

Numicon is regarded as a leading teaching approach to maths in primary classrooms. Developed by the Oxford University Press, Numicon shapes are a prevalent and valuable tool used by teachers worldwide to help children develop their maths and numeracy skills (Forder, 2016).

Being a physical resource, each Numicon shape offers an image of how a number looks like. Students start to see the connection between numbers, with each piece containing one hole more than the previous one. It complements children's strong sense of pattern and allows them to understand how each number has a connection with other numbers. This approach has been shown to enable KS1 and KS2 children to develop mathematical concepts.

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Why Multi-Sensory Maths Teaching Works

Multi-sensory maths teaching works because children process mathematical concepts through multiple pathways simultaneously - using hands, eyes, and voices together. This approach makes abstract mathematical concepts concrete and accessible, particularly benefiting struggling learners who need physical manipulation before understanding abstract ideas.

Multi-sensory approaches are crucial because children think with their hands, not just their heads, making abstract mathematical concepts more accessible through physical manipulation. Research in embodied cognition shows that using hands, eyes, and voices creates rich learning experiences that help children grasp difficult concepts. This approach particularly benefits struggling learners who need concrete experiences before understanding abstract number relationships.

Multisensory activities are essential because these activities involve whole-brain learning. Multisensory techniques mostly include concrete objects and visual teaching strategies.  These include methods such as popsicle sticks, unifix cubes, chips and beans. They are especially helpful in teaching particular math concepts/skills as students can both feel and see the characteristics of concrete objects they are using. We talked about the idea of extended cognition in a previous post. This is the idea that children think not only with just their heads but their hands and body too.

Being able to hold a physical representation of something helps children to understand an abstract concept. We use this same idea with Writers Block. These building resources have been shown to make a learning activity more engaging and less theoretical. As children build and make connections with a concrete object, they grasp more difficult concepts. These teaching materials act as a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach that enables children to develop their problem-solving skills. This supports memory retention and long-term understanding. 

Other mathematical manipulative tools for the classroom and home

• Base 10 apparatus
• Clocks
• Counters
• Cuisenaire rods
• Dominoes
• Interlocking cubes
• Tangram
• Measuring equipment

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Numicon Benefits for Children's Maths Learning

Numicon shapes help children visualize number patterns and relationships through their distinctive hole patterns, making number bonds and place value concrete rather than abstract. The tactile nature allows children to physically manipulate numbers, leading to deeper understanding of mathematical operations. Studies show improved confidence and achievement in early mathematics, particularly for visual and kinesthetic learners.

Numicon Shapes are created to support children to communicate mathematically and sets a solid foundation for future curriculum links. Numicon maths helps learners to reason mathematically, by talking alongside pictorial and concrete representations to elaborate and justify their ideas. This strategy of learning and teaching is called the CPA or Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract teaching. This approach particularly supports children with special educational needs by providing multiple ways to access learning. The system promotes mastery learning through systematic progression and enables teachers to provide immediate feedback during activities.

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How to Use Numicon in the Classroom

Numicon can be integrated into various maths lessons from early number recognition to more complex operations. Start with basic activities like matching shapes to numbers and gradually progress to addition, subtraction, and problem-solving exercises. Encourage children to verbalise their understanding as they manipulate the shapes.

Here are some practical ways to use Numicon shapes in the classroom:

• Number Recognition: Use Numicon to match shapes to numerals to help children understand quantity and number recognition.
• Addition and Subtraction: Combine different Numicon shapes to demonstrate addition. For example, place a 3-shape and a 2-shape together to show 3 + 2 = 5. Similarly, cover part of a larger shape with a smaller shape to demonstrate subtraction.
• Number Bonds: Explore number bonds by finding different combinations of Numicon shapes that make the same number, for example, two 5-shapes make the same as a 6-shape and a 4-shape.
• Multiplication and Division: Use Numicon to visualise multiplication as repeated addition. Arrange multiple identical shapes in rows and columns to illustrate multiplication facts. Division can be shown by splitting larger shapes into equal smaller shapes.
• Fractions: Some teachers use Numicon shapes to introduce fractions by showing how smaller shapes can fit into larger ones, representing fractional parts of a whole.
• Problem Solving: Create real-life problem-solving scenarios using Numicon shapes. Encourage children to manipulate the shapes to find solutions.

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Numicon: A Tool for Home Learning

Numicon is not limited to classroom use; it is also a valuable tool for home learning. Parents can use Numicon to reinforce maths concepts in a fun and engaging way. Simple activities like counting, matching, and basic arithmetic can be turned into interactive learning experiences.

Parents can easily incorporate Numicon into everyday activities:

• Counting: Use Numicon shapes to count objects around the house, helping children connect numbers with real-world quantities.
• Number Recognition: Create simple matching games where children pair Numicon shapes with corresponding number cards.
• Basic Arithmetic: Practice addition and subtraction using Numicon shapes, making maths more visual and tangible.
• Problem Solving: Present simple maths problems that children can solve using Numicon shapes, encouraging them to think critically and apply their knowledge.

By using Numicon at home, parents can reinforce classroom learning and build their child’s confidence in maths. This helps to create a positive attitude towards mathematics and supports their overall academic development.

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Conclusion

Numicon is a powerful hands-on resource that can transform maths teaching and learning. Its multi-sensory approach helps children visualise and understand abstract mathematical concepts, making it an invaluable tool for both teachers and parents. By incorporating Numicon into maths lessons and home activities, educators and caregivers can create engaging and effective learning experiences that creates a deeper understanding and appreciation of mathematics.

Ultimately, the benefits of Numicon extend beyond the classroom, helping to build a strong foundation for future mathematical success. Its tactile nature and visual appeal make maths more accessible and enjoyable, helping children to develop confidence and excel in their mathematical journey.

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Further Reading

Numicon research

Mathematics manipulatives

Visual maths resources

• Forder, R. (2016). *Numicon: An approach to teaching number*. Oxford University Press.
• Nunes, T., Bryant, P., & Watson, A. (2009). *Key understandings in mathematics learning*. Nuffield Foundation.
• Butterworth, B. (2010). *Foundations of mathematical abilities: A neuropsychological perspective*. Psychology Press.
• Gray, E. M., & Tall, D. O. (1994). Duality, ambiguity, and flexibility: A "proceptual" view of simple arithmetic. *Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 25*(2), 116-140.