Using Manipulatives: Numicon
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Authors
Issue Date
2025
Educational Level
ISCED Level 1 Primary Education
Curriculum Area
Geographical Setting
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Abstract
Context: In a primary school setting in the United Kingdom (UK), a Lesson Study initiative focusing on Inclusion and Special Educational Needs and Disability (ISEND) was undertaken to enhance the teaching of mathematics using manipulatives, specifically the Numicon resources. Numicon is designed to help children understand mathematical concepts through concrete shapes that represent numbers, which has been shown to support learners with varying abilities, particularly those on the SEND register.
Aims: The primary objective of this study was to investigate how the utilisation of Numicon manipulatives might facilitate greater independence and success in mathematical tasks among students on the SEND register. Additionally, the research aimed to refine the existing Maths policy to underscore the role of manipulatives in mathematical pedagogy and to promote the consistent use of Numicon across various classrooms.
Methods: Participants included teachers and teaching assistants who integrated Numicon into their teaching while engaging in collaborative planning and reflections typical of Lesson Study approaches. The study involved the implementation of strategies that included classroom displays and personal manipulative resources to aid children's understanding.
Findings: Observations revealed that providing Numicon manipulatives in the classroom environment significantly aided students on the SEND register in engaging with mathematical content more independently. The study highlighted that teachers overwhelmingly recognised a positive impact on children's mathematical learning, especially in problem-solving and reasoning skills, with 91% of teachers affirming this enhancement during their instructional practices.
Implications: Other educators may learn from this study about the efficacy of manipulatives like Numicon in supporting learners with diverse needs in mathematics. The results suggest that incorporating physical resources into lessons can facilitate a deeper conceptual understanding while making mathematics more accessible and less daunting for young learners. As such, the promotion of manipulatives within the curriculum may help to build foundational skills in mathematics, boosting students' overall confidence and competence in the subject.
Aims: The primary objective of this study was to investigate how the utilisation of Numicon manipulatives might facilitate greater independence and success in mathematical tasks among students on the SEND register. Additionally, the research aimed to refine the existing Maths policy to underscore the role of manipulatives in mathematical pedagogy and to promote the consistent use of Numicon across various classrooms.
Methods: Participants included teachers and teaching assistants who integrated Numicon into their teaching while engaging in collaborative planning and reflections typical of Lesson Study approaches. The study involved the implementation of strategies that included classroom displays and personal manipulative resources to aid children's understanding.
Findings: Observations revealed that providing Numicon manipulatives in the classroom environment significantly aided students on the SEND register in engaging with mathematical content more independently. The study highlighted that teachers overwhelmingly recognised a positive impact on children's mathematical learning, especially in problem-solving and reasoning skills, with 91% of teachers affirming this enhancement during their instructional practices.
Implications: Other educators may learn from this study about the efficacy of manipulatives like Numicon in supporting learners with diverse needs in mathematics. The results suggest that incorporating physical resources into lessons can facilitate a deeper conceptual understanding while making mathematics more accessible and less daunting for young learners. As such, the promotion of manipulatives within the curriculum may help to build foundational skills in mathematics, boosting students' overall confidence and competence in the subject.
Description
Keywords (free text)
inclusion, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) , mainstream primary school , Maths , manipulatives , Numicon