Numicon Shapes Exploration

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Matching & Multiple Choice

1. Which number matches a Numicon shape with 3 holes?

2. Which picture shows 2 + 3 = 5 using Numicon shapes?

a shape with 2 holes + a shape with 3 holes

five single 1-hole shapes

a shape with 1 hole + a shape with 4 holes

3. Check all the ways to make 4 with Numicon shapes.

A single 4-hole shape

1 + 3

2 + 2

1 + 1 + 1

4. Match the description (left) to the correct number (right). Draw a line to match.

shape with 1 hole

shape with 5 holes

shape with 4 holes

✏️ Part 2: Short Answers & Drawing

5. Draw two Numicon shapes that make 6 when placed together. Label each shape with its number.

6. Fill in the blank: 3 holes + 2 holes = ______ holes

7. Describe a Numicon shape using colour and number of holes. Use te reo Māori if you can (for example: "kōwhai, toru ngā rua").

8. How can you tell a shape is 5 without counting every hole? Write or draw one way.

🧑‍🏫 Teacher Notes — 11‑Week Term Overview (brief)

Weeks 1–5: Numbers & Numicon

Week 1 — WALT: We are learning to recognise Numicon shapes and their hole counts. Success criteria: Student can name 1–4 shapes and match to numbers. Extension: Find two shapes that together make 5 and explain how.

Week 2 — WALT: We are learning to sort Numicon by number of holes and colour. Success criteria: Student sorts sets by holes and says which has more/less. Extension: Create your own sorting rule (size, colour or holes).

Week 3 — WALT: We are learning to subitise small groups using Numicon. Success criteria: Student recognises 1–5 without counting or shows quick combination. Extension: Show two ways to make the same number (e.g., 5 as 2+3 and 1+4).

Week 4 — WALT: We are learning to describe Numicon using mathematical language (more, less, same). Success criteria: Student uses vocabulary and compares pairs correctly. Extension: Introduce simple addition sentences with Numicon (e.g., 3+2=5).

Week 5 — WALT: We are learning to match Numicon to numeral cards 1–10. Success criteria: Student matches at least 1–6 independently. Extension: Challenge: match all 1–10 or explain patterns noticed.

Weeks 6–11: Early Statistics & Data

Week 6 — WALT: We are learning to collect simple data using Numicon (favourite shape). Success criteria: Student contributes and places one token for choice. Extension: Record group results and talk about the most/least chosen.

Week 7 — WALT: We are learning to make tallies or pictographs with class choices. Success criteria: Student helps create a pictograph and reads it. Extension: Ask "How many more?" between two categories.

Week 8 — WALT: We are learning to describe data using words (more, fewer, same). Success criteria: Student answers questions about class graph. Extension: Pose a prediction before collecting data.

Week 9 — WALT: We are learning to compare groups using Numicon (e.g., which group has more holes overall?). Success criteria: Student compares two groups and explains. Extension: Create own comparison question for peers to answer.

Week 10 — WALT: We are learning to present findings to the class using simple language and te reo Māori. Success criteria: Student shares one sentence about the data (e.g., "Most students chose the 3-hole shape"). Extension: Include a picture or drawing with the sentence.

Week 11 — WALT: We are learning to reflect and celebrate learning about shapes and data. Success criteria: Student shows progress from Week 1 and chooses a favourite activity. Extension: A challenge page: design a 2‑step activity combining Numicon and a class graph.

Assessment & Differentiation: Use observations during group work for formative assessment. Provide tactile supports and pairs for learners needing help. For advanced learners give extension tasks above and encourage peer explaining (relating to the NZ Curriculum key competencies).