At Sea View Primary, we are passionate about igniting a lifelong love for mathematics in our youngest learners! In our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we understand that children learn best through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. That’s why we integrate a variety of engaging activities that make mathematical concepts exciting and accessible.

One of our favourite resources is Numicon, a unique set of colourful shapes that allow children to visualise numbers and grasp their relationships. Numicon encourages children to manipulate the pieces, promoting an understanding of number patterns and basic operations through tactile learning. The bright colours and different shapes not only capture attention but also facilitate discussions and collaborative problem-solving among peers.

A key focus in our mathematics curriculum is subitising—the ability to instantly recognise and understand quantities without counting. By incorporating games and activities that encourage subitising, we help children build a strong foundation in number recognition and numerical fluency. Activities often involve recognising groups of objects—such as playful games with dice and cards that feature Numicon shapes—allowing children to develop their skills in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Nursery

In our nursery, we've been having a great time exploring patterns with shapes, loose objects, and numbers using Numicon. The children created their own unique arrangements and patterns through fruit printing, which was both fun and engaging. We also copied repeating patterns using various loose objects, allowing the little ones to think creatively while developing their mathematical skills. Numicon has been a fantastic resource in our continuous provision, helping the children to grasp the concept of numbers and patterns in a hands-on way. It's wonderful to see their enthusiasm for maths blossoming!