We have been busy mathematicians in Year 1! This week, we have been exploring how numbers can be represented in lots of different ways.

We have used counters, pictures, digits and objects to show numbers. We have also been creative mathematicians and thought of our own ways to represent a number. This has helped us understand that a number stays the same, even when it looks different.

For example, we might show 7 using:

🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴
7 counters

🎨 A drawing of 7 objects

7
The digit

Or even by creating our own representation!

The important thing is that we can explain how we know it represents 7.

🏠 3 things you can do at home

1. Find it, count it, show it!

Choose a number between 1 and 10. Ask your child to find that many objects around the house — toys, socks, spoons or pencils!

Then ask them to show the number in another way, such as drawing it or writing the digit.

2. Make a number!

Say a number and challenge your child to make it using anything they can find. For example, can they make 8 using Lego, buttons, toys or pieces of pasta?

Ask: “How do you know you have 8?”

3. Be creative!

Choose a number and challenge your child to think of three different ways to represent it.

For example, for 5 they could:

• draw 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• make 5 marks or dots
• write the digit 5
• build a group of 5 objects

There is no need for fancy equipment — everyday objects make brilliant maths resources!

Most importantly, encourage your child to talk about their maths. Asking questions such as “How many?”, “How do you know?” and “Can you show me another way?” helps develop confident mathematical thinkers. 🌟