Numicon is a multi-sensory approach to Numeracy.
Numicon's imagery uses patterns to represent each numeral; the patterns are structured so number relationships can be seen in a way not provided by written numerals.
Numicon encourages an understanding of number and number relationships which is essential for successful mental and written arithmetic.
The small step teaching programme has shown to be of considerable value, internationally, to all children, but especially those children with learning issues such as dyscalculia, dyslexia, autism, vision difficulties, Down Syndrome and visual spatial learners.
The small step teaching programme is easy to follow, with clear step-by-step instructions illustrated with photographs.
The multi-sensory approach appeals to different learning styles.
Teachers find that pupils are motivated by the imagery and develop positive attitudes to maths.
Parents and families enjoy the game oriented activities, raising the profile of maths in an exciting way in the home.
Teacher aides beam with joy, celebrating the success of their teaching and their student's successes.
Families and schools have been using this programme in NZ since 2004 with encouraging results.
Training has been arranged through the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association. In the future training will also be offered to schools and families not associated with the NZDSA.
Please go to our new site to contact Margi Leech for details of training dates.
Margi is a NZ trained teacher with over 20 years of international classroom experience. She is also a mum to a child with Down Syndrome and another gifted child with learning difficulties. She is also a home educator.
Her passion is to see children using maths skills in managing money, time and everyday maths with confidence and also participating in school maths with understanding.