As parents and caregivers, we know how important it is for children to feel confident with numbers, especially as they head back to school. Numeracy isn’t just about sums on a page it’s the foundation for problem-solving, logical thinking, and even creativity. Yet for many children, maths can feel daunting. The good news is that early number skills don’t have to be learned through drills or worksheets. They can be discovered through joyful, hands-on play.
At Edx Education, we believe in turning learning into an adventure. With our toys, resources, and the Play, Learn & Create podcast, we aim to support families in weaving maths into everyday play. Here are some simple, playful ways to build numeracy skills at home with Edx Education favourites:
1. Numbers and Letters: Exploring Early Concepts Together
Numbers and letters often go hand in hand in the early years. Using our Numbers and Letters set, children can match numerals to quantities, form simple number sentences, or even spell their names alongside their favourite numbers. Try creating a “number hunt” around the house hide the numbers, and ask your child to find and order them. You could even add letters into the mix for a cross-over between numeracy and literacy.
2. Counting Made Visual with the Green-n-Learn Junior Number Abacus
The Green-n-Learn Junior Number Abacus makes abstract concepts concrete. Its tactile beads help children see and feel numbers, which is especially valuable for visual and kinaesthetic learners. Start with simple counting slide five beads across and count aloud together. Then move on to grouping in tens to introduce place value. For a fun challenge, set up quick-fire “math races” where your child moves the right number of beads to match a problem you call out, such as “7 plus 3!”
3. Hands-On Problem Solving with Math Cubes
Math Cubes are a brilliant open-ended resource for building numeracy skills through play. Younger children can use them to build towers and count how many cubes high they are, while older ones can explore addition, subtraction, and even multiplication by grouping. A great activity is “cube stories” use cubes to tell a little maths story. For example: “Three frogs sat on a log, two more joined them how many are there now?” Your child can build the story with cubes and see the answer unfold.
4. Building Number Sense with the Hundred Board Activity Set
The Hundred Board Activity Set is perfect for spotting patterns and developing a deep understanding of number sequences. You can play simple games like “missing number” remove a few tiles and ask your child to fill in the gaps. For more advanced learners, explore odd and even numbers, skip counting in twos or fives, or create multiplication patterns. Many children find satisfaction in discovering that numbers follow predictable patterns, boosting their confidence and curiosity.
5. Number Rods: Visualising Maths Stories
The Number Rods are a classic tool for helping children understand the value of numbers. Each rod represents a different length, allowing children to compare, measure, and calculate in a highly visual way. Try a simple “rod train” activity: choose two rods, line them up end to end, and see which single rod matches their length. This shows addition and equivalence in a hands-on, memorable way.
6. Everyday Maths in Play
The wonderful thing about these resources is that they don’t need to stay in a classroom setting. Use them in daily play set up a pretend shop with Math Cubes as money, count out snacks with the Abacus, or track football scores on the Hundred Board. By weaving numeracy into everyday activities, children begin to see maths as part of life, not just schoolwork.
Supporting Parents and Caregivers
At Edx Education, we know parents want to give their children the best start. That’s why we provide Numeracy activities for children downloadable activity guides alongside our toys, packed with playful ideas to make maths meaningful at home. And for more inspiration, tune in to our Play, Learn & Create podcast, where we share expert advice, tips, and stories on how play supports learning across all areas of development.
Final Thoughts
Numeracy is more than counting it’s about building confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. By introducing maths through play, we give children the chance to explore numbers in a way that feels natural, engaging, and fun. With Edx Education resources like the Green-n-Learn Junior Number Abacus, Math Cubes, Hundred Board Activity Set, Number Rods, and Numbers and Letters, families can turn back-to-school maths into a joyful adventure.
Because when children play, they don’t just learn they thrive. So lets Play, Learn & Create for lifelong learners.
By Heather Welch, Author of Happy Children Play, Expert in Learning Through Play, and General Manager, Edx Education UK