Our ARP children have been exploring numbers through hands-on activities with colourful building bricks, rubber ducks and number mats. These practical learning opportunities brought together early maths, communication and fine motor skills.
Making numbers meaningful
Using number mats from 1 to 5, the children worked on making small groups of objects to match a numeral. With adult modelling and visual support, they practised moving or touching each object as they counted, working towards counting each item only once.
Our rubber ducks offered another way to explore quantity. Matching a real duck to each picture gave children a clear, practical way to connect objects, pictures and numbers. The focus was on developing understanding through manageable steps, rather than simply saying numbers in order.
Building opportunities to communicate
Communication was an important part of the activities. Adults modelled words on symbol communication boards, including “more”, “help”, “build” and “stop”, giving children opportunities to make choices and express themselves during their learning.
The boards provided a way to join in alongside gestures, sounds and spoken words, without relying on speech alone.
Learning through our hands
Picking up ducks, positioning bricks and connecting them to build towers also provided opportunities to practise hand–eye coordination and controlled finger movements. Alongside their number work, children were supported to attend to a shared activity and participate in exchanges with an adult.
From matching a duck to a picture to choosing a symbol or adding another brick, the activities offered different ways for children to participate and show their understanding.
Well done to our ARP learners for their effort and participation!
