Numicon teaching materials
We are a leading reseller of the innovative Numicon materials for teaching
number skills and mathematics. These materials are particularly suited for children with Down syndrome
as they make the number system both visual and tactile.
Numicon - making numbers visual and tactile
The Numicon approach to teaching number was developed to teach an
understanding of number to typically developing preschool and primary school children. The materials
we designed to help children to 'see' the relationships between numbers and understand
the relationships between numbers.
The Numicon activities encourage children to develop their understanding through play with
the materials. Playing with the materials and seeing the relationships between the number plates, pegs
and baseboards enables children to understand the relationships between numbers and sets of numbers.
Through these early activities children are able to 'internalise' the images of the plates to
give them a visual image for each number. They can then use this visual image to support later number
tasks, particularly the thought processes required for mental arithmetic.
Using the Numicon materials also enables children to show their thinking as they attempt number
tasks and because of this, teaching staff are better able to assess the child's level of understanding.
Using Numicon to teach number skills to children with Down syndrome
On the basis of a recent action research project,
we have produced a new publication - Teaching number skills to children with Down syndrome using the
Numicon Foundation Kit.
This book aims to provide teachers and parents with a guide on how to adapt the Numicon system
for teaching number skills when using it with children with Down syndrome. The book is intended for
use with the materials and standard guidance is included in the Numicon foundation kit.
To find out more about this new publication, visit the
downsed online shop
Numicon research
The charity has been involved in evaluating the Numicon materials with
children with Down syndrome. On the basis of positive preliminary results it has undertaken additional
research into the impact of using Numicon.
For a report of the initial results of this research, see:
Evaluating the Numicon system as a tool for teaching number skills to children with Down syndrome.
Buying Numicon
Click here to view the range of Numicon products (including kits for parents and teachers)
available to purchase at the downsed
online shop.
Numicon trademark
Numicon is a registered trademark of Numicon Ltd - see http://www.Numicon.com/
for details.