Reading Numbers

Reading numbers can seem simple but for many children it is very difficult. Here is a tool that you can make at home using a few toilet roll tubes. 

More than reading numbers, this tool can teach children to - 

• extend and improve their understanding of place value
• build skills across the four main mathematical methods (+ - x /)
• develop greater knowledge of doubling and halving and before and after

I was able to actually whip this up in just a few minutes, actually while making dinner!

You will need - 2 toilet rolls, sticky tape and a pen.

Of course I had to give Possum a chance to play with the toilet paper rolls first. ;) 

This activity is clearly too advanced for her but I would recommend it for any school aged child. 

Firstly I added a bit of a design to one of the toilet rolls. This isn't an important step, however, it will make it more attractive and less like a toilet roll. Feel free to get creative or have your little one do so. 

Cut down the length of the second toilet roll and snip off the pieces as shown. You should have about 4 pieces, however, you don't have to use them all. 

You need to reconstruct the small pieces by making them a little wider than they were originally. That way they can slip over the other toilet roll easily enough. Simply use your fingers to widen the gap and stick it in place using sticky take. 

See! The gap has allowed for this piece to slide over the other roll. 

For small children this might be enough. 

Have your child read the numbers and turn the number roll to read different numbers. 

You might also like to ask, 'What number comes before/after this number?', 

'What is this number doubled? Halved?'

Now things start to get a little trickier. 

How many numbers can your child read when the four is in front? 

Again, you might ask,' What number comes before/after this number?' 

You might also like to ask, 'What would the number be if I add 10?'

Adding the final piece gives children an opportunity to learn numbers into their hundreds! 

It is a great idea to ensure that once children have mastered reading up to hundreds that 

you include the 0 (zero) value to really test out their skills. 

This is often an area children find difficult. 

A Bit Different

Here is another way that you can use toilet rolls to support children's learning. This great learning tool demonstrates that there are many ways a number can be represented and the child must match them up. Click here for the link to this number roll.

This toilet roll learning tool can also be used for literacy learning. 

Click here if you'd like more details about these terrific word rolls. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this post.

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Please remember to be guided by your children. 

Have a good understanding of their ability and never make learning a horrible experience.

Kate  

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