Numicon
An early experience with mathematics
Mathematics is a natural science, so it is important to start getting familiar with it from the earliest childhood. It is very significant because it explains the natural phenomena around us, helps us measure time, the length of night and day, change of seasons, etc. In order to make mathematics interesting for children, it is necessary to awaken and develop their interest in it. That is why games are the best way to get acquainted with mathematics and become friendly with it. Numicon is perfect for this!
What is Numicon?
Numicon is a numerical didactic system which is used to develop mathematical skills in children. In Great Britain, it is used in more than 6,000 schools. It was developed by experts from Oxford University, and, in 2015, it was proclaimed the world’s best educational mathematical method (Education Resources Awards [ERA]). Numicon covers the entire field of numbers, basic arithmetic operations, and different mathematical patterns.
“ The objective of mathematics is to develop permanent logical thinking because with time the formulae and details become forgotten, whereas the ability to think logically stays with us as long as we live.”
Why is Numicon so successful with children?
NUMICON is popular throughout the world, due to its idea that the teaching and understanding mathematical concepts should unfold through touch, images, and games. It is used to teach children in a way which is both - easy and fun:
- it explains the concept of number a and basic arithmetic operations
- it offers variety of possibilities for playing games
- it allows teaching at different levels of knowledge
- its elements are compact and easy for children to use
- children with reduced movements can also use it with ease
- its materials are attractive and good-looking
- it is suitable for both team and individual work
- it develops the capability of mental calculation without help from any devices
- it stimulates cognitive development and activation of the both brain hemispheres
What elements are acquired with Numicon?
Numicon is an excellent didactic method which is used to develop mathematical skills in children and efficiently explain:
- the concept of number
- the number line
- mental calculation
- how to make patterns
- mathematical thinking
- basic arithmetic operations
- the concept of the decimal system
- the technique of fast calculation
- geometric transformations
By using Numicon we create more efficient teachers. We provide children with a variety of interesting activities for learning mathematics.
A multi-layer approach to teaching (VAK method)
Numicon uses a multi-layer approach to teaching, relying on the VAK method. By consciously using different activities, we instruct children to learn through various senses:
Visually
Perceiving the elements
Identifying on the basis of colour and shape
Auditorily
Listening to the instructions from a teacher (mathematical language)
Answering a question (description of relationships)
Kinaesthetically
Motor skills and feeling the shape (touch and moving)
Going around the room (in search of a needed shape)
Who is Numicon meant for?
Numicon is meant for all the children between the ages of 3 and 5 who want to get acquainted with the world of numbers and acquire mathematical skills in an easy and entertaining manner.
Workshops are held once or twice a week and each lasts from one to two hours.
Lessons are conducted in small groups of 6 to 8 students.
Each child is provided with an individual approach and guaranteed success.
It is also adapted to working with children with special needs.
Owing to Numicon, children master the basic mathematical concepts faster and more efficiently.
The benefits are noticeable not only upon beginning with school attendance but also at an older age, when students advance to higher grades and secondary school.
