The Benefits of Numeracy Activities in the Early Years Curriculum
By Alison Melrose, Headmistress, The Chelsea Nursery and Cameron Vale School
'At The Chelsea Nursery and Cameron Vale School, a strong foundation in numeracy is essential for children’s future success. Early exposure to mathematical concepts fosters confidence, problem-solving abilities, and a natural curiosity about the world. Our numeracy activities don’t look or feel like formal maths lessons of old, they are engaging, interactive, and play-based, ensuring that learning feels fun and meaningful.
Incorporating numeracy into the early years curriculum is about much more than pure numbers. From the moment children begin to explore their environment, they are engaging with mathematical concepts—whether counting steps, recognising patterns, or measuring ingredients when cooking.
One of the key benefits of early numeracy activities is the development of critical thinking skills. Through structured play and exploration, children identify relationships, patterns, make predictions, and test their hypotheses. Sorting, matching, puzzles and sequencing not only introduce mathematical ideas but also build cognitive skills that are transferable across all areas of learning.
Who can forget lovely songs like ‘Five little men is a flying saucer’ and ‘There were ten in the bed…’ which has us counting and taking away. Numeracy supports the development of language and communication skills. Discussing mathematical concepts encourages children to articulate their understanding and use technical vocabulary. It’s interwoven within storytelling, music, art, sport, drama, ballet and so much more.
Confidence in numeracy is crucial for academic success. Through hands-on experiences such as building with blocks, exploring shapes, and engaging in number games, children develop resilience and perseverance in tackling challenges. Forest School and garden play sessions allow children to explore measurement, counting, and spatial awareness in a natural setting. Whether estimating the height of a tree, counting petals, or building structures with natural materials, these activities deepen their understanding in an organic and enjoyable way.
Additionally, we use London as our classroom, taking advantage of the city’s wealth of resources to bring numeracy to life. Visits to the library, museums, fire station and greengrocers provide real-world contexts for mathematical exploration, helping children seethe relevance of numbers in everyday life.
By embedding numeracy within a rich and stimulating curriculum, we empower our young learners to develop the skills and confidence they need for the future. At our school, mathematics is not just a subject—it is an exciting journey of discovery, curiosity, and endless possibilities.'
February 2025