The use of Numicon® as a resource for learning addition and subtraction in early childhood education

Abstract

The objective of this study was to gain insight into the use of the multi-sensory resource Numicon. Eight mathematics lessons, during which Numicon was used, were observed in Year 1 and Year 2 classes. Classroom observations revealed that students’ motivation was high when using Numicon, while the class teachers appeared enthusiastic in their use of the resource. The four class teachers were interviewed with regard to their opinion about Numicon and they praised its uniqueness when compared with other mathematical resources. A series of activities that tested addition and subtraction skills with the use of Numicon were carried out with eight students, two from each class. The children were chosen according to their abilities in mathematics, in order to have a diverse sample. The children carried out the sessions individually, and recordings and photos were taken for the purpose of the analysis. Numicon was found to be effective in many ways, including encouraging mathematical thinking. It was concluded that children worked relatively faster with Numicon than with other resources, since the children had good knowledge of the resource. Thus, Numicon was recognised to be a very good mathematical resource, which can be widely used during mathematics lessons.