The use of manipulatives helps children to hone their mathematical thinking skills. Children are expected to, where appropriate, choose their own equipment and set such equipment up for practical mathematics. The effective use of manipulatives aims to help the children to connect ideas and integrate their knowledge so that they gain a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.

We use Numicon to contextualise and develop the children’s understanding of number. Numicon teaches the children about numbers and what they mean, before and alongside counting and patterning activities through hands-on activities, games, songs, in a structured approach. This way of teaching is supportive to all of the children, but particularly those requiring a visual, hands-on and explicit style. The manipulatives are tools of thinking which:

• Develop fluency by using a visual, practical base to develop conceptual understanding and fluent recall
• Help children to reason mathematically through the use of concrete objects 
  and spoken language to explain and justify.
• Develop children into confident problem-solvers working in groups and independently.

The school grounds and surrounding areas also offer a great resource for staff and pupils.

We also use ‘MyMaths’ and ‘TimesTable Rockstars’ as whole-school interactive resources for use in the classroom and at home- these both consolidate and develop children’s confidence and mathematical fluency.