Mathematics in Nursery

Numbers

Shape, Space and Measures

Developing a strong grounding with 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 5, the relationship between them and the patterns within those numbers. By providing frequent and varied opportunities to build and apply this understanding - such as manipulatives, including small pebbles and five frames for organising counting- children will develop a secure base of knowledge and vocabulary from which mastery of mathematic is built. In addition, 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 peers about what they notice and not be afraid to make mistakes.

INTENT STATEMENT:

At St Francis Xavier we develop fluent mathematicians who have a deep conceptual understanding of number. We ensure that they are able to provide explanations, give reasons for their answers and tackle future challenges by:

• Providing opportunities for children to practise, rehearse and apply mathematical knowledge and skills
• Encouraging children to investigate numbers by exploring their characteristics and patterns, understanding how they can be manipulated using different operations
• Encouraging them to think logically so that they can make connections and solve problems
• Fostering children’s acquisition and use of mathematical vocabulary to justify and explain their ideas

IMPLEMENTATION STATEMENT:

Mathematics is valued and promoted through daily direct teaching and purposeful learning opportunities across all areas of provision.

During the planning process careful consideration is given to the next steps in learning. Each area of the provision is equipped with relevant maths resources to enable children to practise and apply their mathematical knowledge and skills.

• Specific maths continuous provision offers a variety of open ended resources that promote a conceptual understanding of number encouraging children to become confident and fluent.
• The resources are thoughtfully organised on open shelving so that children can see what and how many are  available, access them independently and tidy up time can be optimised as an opportunity to practise and rehearse number skills.
• The environment is enhanced with number lines, shapes and mathematical vocabulary to provide children with visual prompts and opportunities to solve problems.

Adults appreciate that maths can be taught everywhere and that the conceptual understanding of number is the basis for all other mathematical learning. They have a sound knowledge and deep understanding of mathematical concepts and vocabulary to enable them to teach the necessary foundation skills which children need to become fluent mathematicians.

Within the environment adults capitalise on every opportunity to present mathematical problems for children to think about and solve. They support children in practising and applying their mathematical knowledge and skills by encouraging them to talk about their thinking, provide explanations and give reasons for their answers.

IMPACT: 

By the end of my time at St Francis Xavier School I will know how to…

• Recognise and write numbers
• Estimate
• Identify and talk about number patterns
• Add and subtract quantities
• Calculate
• Talk about shape, space and measure using mathematical language
• Sort and match
• Give reasons for my answers
•  Solve problems
• Recognise an amount without counting
• Compare quantities
• Sequence numbers

• Recognise an amount in different arrangements

Here are some fun maths activities that you can try at home:

Counting using natural resources.

Explore the fantastic outdoors and collect different natural items along the way. This is a great, free, open ended activity to enhance early maths. You can encourage counting, number recognition, ordering the size of different items and also grouping of objects. 

Number sensory tray

Using jelly, tweezers and plastic number figures create your very own sensory tray! This is an engaging activity that children will love as they are able to explore texture and also develop their number recognition. 

Exploring shape!

The outdoors provides numerous opportunities to explore different shapes and is completely free! You could gather different resources on a nature walk and discover which shapes you can make. You could use; leaves, flowers, twigs or pebbles.

Matching numeral to quantity.

Can you build towers using the same number of blocks to match the numeral? You can use; lego, blocks or any resources that you have at home which you can stack on top of each other! The children love to play this game. You could even challenge with siblings. Who has the tallest tower? How many blocks tall is your tower? Can you find the matching numeral?

Finger painting maths! 

Children love to get messy with paint! What better way to encourage children with their early number. In this fun activity, the children are required to finger print the same number to match the given numeral. 

Take size outdoors!!

Take the children outside to hunt for different items in their environment. Gather the items that you have found and encourage your child to place them from the longest to the shortest/ biggest smallest!