The rekenrek, a simple Dutch counting frame, is seeing rapidly increasing popularity in the world of education. In this blog, I’ll show how you can use it to build a child’s number sense and their fluency in working with multiples. In my previous blog I explained the value of this simple tool for early mathematics.… Continue reading More rekenrek ideas: developing fluency with multiples
Tag: Counting
Rekenrek Revolution: a fresh approach to simple maths
How can a Dutch counting frame make it easier for a child to learn times tables and number bonds? In this blog I’m going to look at the rekenrek, a simple arithmetical tool that is growing in popularity. Now, in the decades I’ve spent as a qualified teacher, I’ve seen plenty of changes in the… Continue reading Rekenrek Revolution: a fresh approach to simple maths
When Paper Dolls meet Number Bonds
Paper dolls, or ‘cut-outs’ have been an inexpensive craft and play option for children for more nearly two centuries. They’ve inspired a lot of play since then and some great stories too. I recently discovered that, as with many toys, it doesn’t take much imagination to build a counting activity into paper-doll play – my… Continue reading When Paper Dolls meet Number Bonds
Pocket money power: introducing children to coins and notes
In the age of contactless payments and online transactions, it might seem pointless to teach children about physical money. But there is so much they can learn from handling and exchanging coins and notes… I’ve been writing about the educational development of my granddaughter Daisy for several years now. But there’s been a gap in… Continue reading Pocket money power: introducing children to coins and notes
Best of the Blog 2021: raising a confident, curious grandchild
Here’s a roundup of my best educational content from 2021. It's filled with activities and observations to make learning fun for your child or grandchild... I’ve been reflecting on the many blogs that I’ve written during 2021. A lot has changed in the past year. My granddaughter Daisy started the year in a Nursery class… Continue reading Best of the Blog 2021: raising a confident, curious grandchild
Supercubes: numeracy and hands-on learning
Making ‘supercubes’ is a great way for children to explore cube numbers, and what happens when numbers are increased by the ‘power of three dimensions’ At times I see my granddaughter Daisy playing on her own, completely immersed in her imaginary play. At other times, she likes an adult to join her in the play:… Continue reading Supercubes: numeracy and hands-on learning
Subitising fun with Compare Bears
My granddaughter Daisy has played with my set of Compare Bears on several occasions. By virtue of their varying sizes and colours, Compare Bears allow young children to explore and learn about counting, sorting, patterning, and size and mass comparison in a fun, relaxed way. Now they're supporting Daisy in an important new skill: subitising.… Continue reading Subitising fun with Compare Bears
Preschool numerical patterns: Numberblocks and number bonds
“Daisy, how many toes have you got on this foot?” I was sitting in the back of the car with my granddaughter Daisy as we travelled home from another afternoon spent rock-pooling at the beach, and Daisy had cast off her wellies and socks. Daisy looked at the foot I was drying and quickly answered… Continue reading Preschool numerical patterns: Numberblocks and number bonds
Preschool numeracy: fun with odds and evens
On one of our regular FaceTime calls last week, my granddaughter Daisy made one of her frequent surprise announcements. She carefully explained to me that she and Daddy “are even numbers” and Mummy “is an odd number”. She added that, following her next birthday, she (Daisy) would be odd, Daddy would also be odd and… Continue reading Preschool numeracy: fun with odds and evens
The joy of cooking together with your grandchild
Whenever my granddaughter Daisy comes to stay with me, her visit creates a series of highlights in my day from early morning cuddles to evening bath times. These special moments now regularly happen in the kitchen. As she’s grown older and more independent, Daisy has discovered that, if she drags her little red chair over… Continue reading The joy of cooking together with your grandchild
Granny Smith's Diary 