Maths

EYFS and KS1

In Early Years and Key Stage 1, maths is all about building strong foundations. Children develop confidence with counting, number recognition, number bonds and early calculation skills through practical experiences and play. Everyday activities such as cooking, shopping and board games can make a real difference. On this page, you’ll find simple strategies and ideas to help your child develop number confidence at home in an enjoyable and relaxed way.

 

Number Sense & Counting

· Count everyday objects: count as you walk up the stairs, cars, toys, pieces of fruit

· Count forwards and backwards to 20 (then 50 and 100 as confidence grows)

· Practise recognising numbers in the environment (house numbers, buses, number plates, prices)

· Match numerals to quantities (e.g. “Show me 5 Lego bricks”)

· Recognise odd and even numbers in the environment (house numbers, buses, number plates, prices)

Early Addition & Subtraction

· Use real objects: “You have 6 grapes, eat 2 – how many are left?”

· Encourage children to explain how they worked something out

· Use fingers, cubes or drawings when adding and subtracting numbers – these are helpful tools

· Practise number bonds to 10 (0+10=10, 1+9=10, 2+8=10, 3+7=10, 6+4=10, 5+5=10)

· Practise number bonds to 20 (10+10=20, 11+9=20, 12+8=20, 13+7=20, 14+6=20, 15+5=20)

· Practise one more/one less: “What is one more than 10?” or “What is one less than 10?”

· Use real objects to double and halve numbers: “Here are 4 pencils, split them into 2 equal groups to halve them. How many in each group?” “Here are 4 pencils, double them by adding the same number of pencils. How many do you have now?”

Shapes, Space & Measures

· Hunt for 2D and 3D shapes around the house: “What shape is this?”, “Can you find a cube?”, “Can you find a sphere?”

· Build with blocks or Lego and talk about shapes used

· Compare lengths, heights and weights using everyday language (taller, shorter, heavier, lighter)

· Cook together and talk about full, half, empty and quantities

Games

· Board games with dice (e.g. Snakes & Ladders, Ludo, Frustration)

· Card games such as Snap, Higher or Lower or simple pairs

· Roll a dice and add dots together

· Dominoes for spotting patterns and totals

· Use Numbots for online games and maths support https://play.numbots.com/#/account/school-login/140760 · Use Numberblocks for support https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/numberblocks · Free 1 Minute Maths App https://whiteroseeducation.com/1-minute-maths#download