Numeracy in the Early Years Foundation

Stage

Aims of the session

• To explain numeracy in the Foundation Stage

• To understand what and how it is taught

• Progression of skills• Supporting your child at home

EYFS Requirements

‘ Children must be supported in developing their understanding of Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy in a broad range of contexts in which they can explore, enjoy, learn, practise and talk about their developing understanding.’

(Early Years Foundation Stage Practice Guidance, 2008)

Problem Solving, Reasoning and

Numeracy PSRN is broken down into three

strands in the Early Years Curriculum:

• Numbers as Labels and for Counting• Calculating• Shape, Space and Measures

Numbers as Labels and for Counting

Focuses on the child’s ability to:• Count forwards and backwards to

10• Recognise numerals• Order numbers independently • Count objects reliably

Counting Principles Children need to

• Know the counting words• Be able to recite the numbers in

the correct order• Understand the ‘one to one

principle’. One number word has to be matched to every object

Counting principles

Children need to: • Recognise that the number associated

with the last object touched is the total number of objects.

• Understand that counting can be applied to any collection of objects.

• Understand that the order in which objects are counted is irrelevant, the total will be the same.

A starting point…

• All children are at different levels in their number understanding and this is assessed upon entry into school.

• Such information is used to plan a curriculum that is personalised and responsive to the children’s needs.

How?

• Through short teaching inputs, guided group work and through their independent play

• In purposeful contexts• Exploiting mathematical potential

of the environment• Effective questioning

Number Fun!

• Singing number songs• Mathematical games• Counting on fingers and using

different objects• Number rhymes, recording numbers• Ordering mixed up numbers on a

washing line

Games to play at home• Snap – using playing cards (minus picture cards)• Playing cards – Children to read numbers, order

numbers, then place them face down. Turn over 1 card. Ask your child which number comes after/before. Turn over the card to check the answer. Repeat for other numbers. Which number is 1 less/more than?

• Dominoes- playing dominoes will help you child to recognise the pattern of 5 and 2 etc. Numbers on dice are arranged in the same way, so playing games using dice will help your child develop their concept on number.

Calculating

‘…how children develop an awareness of the relationship between numbers and amounts and know that numbers can be combined to be ‘added together’ and can be separated by ‘taking away’ and that two or more amounts can be compared.’ (EYFS, 2008)

Task 1

• Compare two jars of marbles• Do they have the same number of

marbles?• Which has more? Which has less?• How could we check?• Count the marbles in each jar• Use a number square to check which

number is bigger. Were we right?

‘I want more…!’

• Children understand and begin to use the word ‘more’ from a very young age.

• Children like to demand more sweets, treats, time and toys! They are able to make the connection between this word and its meaning

More, more, more!

Task 2-Number stories using objects‘There are four guests at the Ball and then

one more arrives. How many people are there altogether?’

Strategy check:Understand concept of ‘more’Add oneRecountCheck (fingers/numberline)

Less?

• Meaning?• Fewer/smaller amount/take awayTask 3‘We have five role play bands. If I

give one to Sam, there will be one less. How many will be left?’

• Use a number line to calculate one less than a number to 10.

Please note…

*Children must be secure about the order of numbers before they can be asked to work out what number becomes before or after

How can you check that they are?Don’t race ahead!

Addition and subtraction

• Vocabulary• Use of signs• Link to understanding of concept

of more/less• Make it visual and practical! ‘Two dolls add three dolls equals…’6 + 4 =

Resources

• Numberline• Number square www.splatsquare.com• Magnetic numbers• Hand puppets• Beads• Roll and Write numbers• Abacus• Whiteboards• Hoops and everyday objects• Dominoes, counters, dice

Time for questionsEvaluation forms