In Reception the children participate in daily mathematics lessons. In the EYFS, it is important children are given the opportunity to learn maths through practical, hands-on experiences. We implement this approach into our focused lessons and our continuous provision areas. After learning new concepts, children are given lots of opportunities inside and outside the classroom to apply their understanding so this is internalised. 

There are two main areas of focus: Number and numerical patterns. 

Number:

It is important that children acquire the skills to understand the composition of numbers up to 10. This is achieved by learning how to subitize, manipulate objects and representing numbers in a variety of ways. To do this, we focus heavily on ensuring children are able to count accurately using their 1:1 correspondence actions, objects and even sounds as well as matching number to quantity. 

Once children have developed their understanding of numbers and the more/less relationship between numbers, this is when we move on to exploring number bonds to 5 initially before advancing up to 10. 

By the end of Reception, it is hoped that the children have acquired the fundamental basics of number to then move on to solve number problems, doubling facts and can embed their understanding of number into their play. 

Numerical Patterns:

Within numerical patterns, we teach the children how to verbally count beyond 20 and help them recognise the pattern within the counting system. We focus on the relationship between numbers so children can confidently compare quantities in different contexts and understand the language of greater than, less than and the same/equal. We also focus on patterns within numbers including: odd and even, double facts and sharing numbers equally. 

We also look at patterns within shapes and the children learn how to manipulate these effectively during maths lessons and within their play.