What are numbers?

Numbers diary
(Numeracy curriculum)
Thanks to Anne for this idea.
I got my class to write a diary for a day and insert what they did and what number operation this involved. Examples: Alarm woke me up = being able to tell the time. The next lesson we sat and discussed what all had written and expanded on their input. This had a beneficial outcome for the class as it meant they worked on a topic together, it also showed the class how often they use numbers in their daily life without realising it and that they do and can deal with fractions, measurements etc.

Recognising digits up to 10
(Numeracy - N1/E1.1)
Thanks to Susan F for this idea.
Some people have trouble relating to abstract numbers or putting them in order. Assuming symbols are the problem, try relating them to a more visual/word-based sequence. It should use an area of existing interest. For example, one could turn the figures into animals for budding naturalists (the 2 is a swan) or use colour. You can base the colours on the resistor coding sequence which is:
0=black, 1=brown, 2=red, 3=orange, 4=yellow, 5=green, 6=blue, 7=violet, 8=grey, 9=white.

Snooker loopy comparing numbers
(Numeracy curriculum - N1/E2.2)
Compare numbers up to 100 with Dennis Taylor's Snooker Trumps. You can rate players of the past and present by comparing their scores in categories such as popularity. Who do you think would win on sex appeal? Ronnie O'Sullivan or Steve Davis?

Property prices
(Numeracy curriculum - N1/L1.1)
This UK Price Guide gives property prices by county. These figures can be used for recognising and understanding big numbers, writing them in words and comparing them.

Comparing the weather
(Numeracy curriculum - N1/L1.1)
Choose your local hometown for a 5 day weather forecast. Compare temperatures - which will be the warmest of coldest day?

Negative number line
(Numeracy curriculum - N1/L1.2)
Thanks to Susan F who sent in this idea.
There is no particularly good reason to draw a number line from left to right other than convention. Try putting a vertical number line on a wall. To have negative numbers, zero it at the level of a bookcase or fixed table etc. To make it more visual you could add fish below the "water line" and birds above. Other physical analogies could be; the rungs of a (rope) ladder up a wall and down a pit, or the storeys of a building including basement levels (ground = 0).

Skiing weather around the world
(Numeracy curriculum - N1/L1.2)
Before you pop off to your ski resort for a weekend on the slopes, check out the weather forecast! Print out a selection of ski resorts' forecasts to discuss negative numbers and how they appear to increase in value as the temperature gets colder.

Comparing numbers
(Numeracy - N1/L1.3)
Thanks to Susan F for this idea.
Some simple practice games of "more or less or equal" can be done with dice (spotted or numbered) or cards (ace to 10). Pupil and teacher each roll a die or draw a card. The question "is yours more than, less than or equal to (same as) mine" is posed. The correct answer might earn a smartie if bribes are absolutely necessary. Note there is no competitive element other than with oneself as having a bigger number isn't what wins.

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Addition and subtraction

Domino games
(Numeracy curriculum - N1/E2.7)
Thanks to John H for this idea.
I have used dominoes with good results. Mix dominoes face down, each student and the teacher takes seven dominoes. The teacher lays the first domino down and then the next player. Use the number at each end of the domino to calculate addition/subtraction/multiplication to suit the lesson. So, if you have eight spots at one end of the row and three spots at the other: what is 3 + 8 ?(11); what is 3 x 8 ?(24); and what is 24 - 11 ?(13).

Number Jumbler - 'Missing Signs'
(Numeracy curriculum - N1/L1.3)
Play 'Missing Signs' in the Number Jumbler game area. You have to click on the correct sign to complete the calculation. On this Schools' site aimed at children working towards the end of Key Stage 1 there are also games covering greater than/less than, odd or even, adding up and rounding money to the nearest 10 pence. Visit the Teachers' section for lesson plans.

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Multiplication

Blank multiplication grid
(Numeracy curriculum - N1/E2.7)
Thanks to Sheila G for this idea.
Use a blank grid, say 4 x 4 in size, and get your student to put single digit numbers across the top and down the left hand side. Then get them to multiply the top numbers by the side numbers, putting the answers in the blank squares.

Dominoes
(Numeracy curriculum - N1/L1.1, N2/L1.3)
Use educational dominoes including multiplication and division symbols etc to aid learning tables and number facts. These games can help develop number sense and strengthen mental mathematical skills.

Fill in multiplication grid
(Numeracy curriculum - N1/L1.5)
Thanks to Sheila G who sent in this idea.
Take a full multiplication square (10 x 10) and blank out some of the answers. Get students to fill in the missing gaps. To make the exercise longer or harder have more blanks in the grid. This really makes them think about the numbers and look at patterns.

Name that number!
(Numeracy curriculum - N1/L1.5)
Thanks to Dave R who sent in this idea.
This is a good game for a group. The first student should ask, for example, 2 times 3 equals what? They then select another student for the answer. If they get it right, that student asks the next question. If someone gets it wrong the first student picks someone else. I allow students to use times table chart during this exercise as the purpose of it is for students to "know" the answer. This exercise may be used with the other three basic functions.

Times tables game
(Numeracy curriculum - N1/L1.5)
Thanks to Alex C who sent in this idea
I use a 'dice game' where the students throw two dice and multiply one by the other to get the answer. I make score sheets with totals commons so they also get practice at addition in columns. Students enjoy it but depending on their level I encourage them to use concrete objects (coins or bottle tops) to make the multiplication patterns so they grasp the concept and build pictures of what the sum 'looks' like. It also takes the pressure off. Using a dice means they don't have to do the 7's, 8's and 9's.

Megamaths tables
(Numeracy curriculum - N1/L1.5)
A lively, interactive site aimed at 7-10 year olds for practising and testing times tables. First visit the Teachers and Parent page to find out more about the site and the many games on it.

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Division

Food
(Numeracy curriculum - N2/L1.2)
Select a recipe from the Food Recipe Finder that serves four or more people. Tell students they will be cooking a meal for two people so will need to reduce the size of the ingredients. Get them to halve or quarter the ingredients and write a new shopping list of what they'll need.

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Ratio and proportion

Cooking for Thanksgiving
(Numeracy curriculum - N1/L1.7)
Select a turkey recipe from the Food website that serves two or more people. Tell students they will be cooking for a large Thanksgiving party and will need to change the quantities of the ingredients. Ask them to increase quantities using direct proportion and write a new shopping list.

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