Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre - Home Entry 1 Number Resources for Adult Basic Skills Students

Please note this a new section of the site. We are gradually breaking up the huge 'Number' section into individual curriculum levels. Please bear with us - email for help if you can't find what you're looking for. Last updated 22/06/08


Worksheets and resources on this page are all linked to one or more elements of the N1 Entry 1 UK Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum. To find resources for other areas (e.g. Measure, Data) and other levels (e.g. pre-Entry, E2, E3, L1, L2) of the Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum click here.

Most resources in this section are only available as PDF documents. Learn more about downloading, saving or printing our PDF resources.

This site is aimed at UK tutors who are familiar with the adult literacy, ESOL, numeracy and preEntry curricula. All curricula are available as  interactive documents at Read Write Plus


NUMBER

Whole numbers (N1)

Fractions, decimals and percentages. (N2)

Entry 1 N1/E1 E1.1  E1.2  E1.3  E1.4  E1.5  E1.6 E1.7 Only whole numbers are covered at Entry 1
General number resources that cover a range of curriculum levels (inc E1) and/or elements and do not neatly fit into a single slot.

Number 1 (Whole Numbers) - Entry Level 1

General Entry 1 Number resources

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Entry 1 number practice test in Edexcel-style. Great for extra practice and revision. 6 pages plus answer sheet. Contributed by Ruth Colclough, Newcastle College ruth.colclough@ncl-coll.ac.uk 7 pages. 90K. Covers many N1 elements.

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Entry 1 practice assignment A - covers many E1 elements, in the style of City & Guild assignments - great for revision and practice. Contributed by Gaye Noel g.noel@parklanecoll.ac.uk Park Lane College, Leeds. 7 pages. 310K.

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Entry 1 practice assignment B - covers many E1 elements, in the style of City & Guild assignments - great for revision and practice. Contributed by Gaye Noel g.noel@parklanecoll.ac.uk Park Lane College, Leeds. 5 pages. 140K.

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Practice test questions for the OCR Certificate in Adult Numeracy (Entry 1) - contributed by Karen White sstkrs@hotmail.com from MOWL (Moving On with learning) at Liverpool University. Sample Unit 1 (Whole Number) tasks. 19 pages with notes and curriculum links. 65K.

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Entry 1 Numeracy, student progress sheet showing all the E1 curriculum indicators. A quick, one sheet, visual record of progress and achievement and is particularly useful in forming and updating individual learning plans. Can be kept in students' basic skills folders and used to set targets and track progress. For more information on these files such as how the Entry level sheets relate to City and Guilds specifications, PLEASE ALSO DOWNLOAD this PDF overview file. Contributed by Dave Walkden, dave.walkden@duchy.ac.uk basic skills tutor at Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Cornwall. 20K

DOC

Cross-referencing files for the City & Guilds entry level 1 numeracy specifications. Maps the specifications to the respective Core Curricula elements with example and sample activities. Focuses tutors' activities onto the areas that students need to cover for progression.  For general information on these files PLEASE ALSO DOWNLOAD this PDF overview file. Contributed by Dave Walkden, dave.walkden@duchy.ac.uk  basic skills tutor at Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Cornwall.4 pages. 86K
N1/E1.1 Count reliably up to 10 items
(a) understand that if items are rearranged the number stays the same
(b) know how to count on and back from any small number

ZIP

Improve eidetic memory a simple idea that makes a great warm up exercise for any group. A series of smiley faces is portrayed in increasing numbers and grouped in different ways. Encourage students to say how many faces there are (ideally without counting - as the ability to make and interpret patterns helps with many aspects of maths) and discuss how they look at the patterns, chunk up into to 3s, 4s and 5s, etc. Contributed by Dave Clapham, Leeds anebla999@hotmail.com Zipped PowerPoint (PPT) file. 30 slides. 42K.

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Number Investigation based on Bruner's Beans. Contributed by Di Mellor DMellor@darlington.ac.uk from Darlington College. Recognise and understand multiples, factors and prime numbers. Great investigation that can be differentiated for Entry 1 - Level 2. N1/E1.1 N1/E2.1 N1/E3.5 N1/L1.5 N1/L2.2 HD1/E1.3 HD1/E2.4 HD1/E2.5 HD1/E3.4. 3 pages with teachers notes and links. 30K. (a)

PDF

Smarties investigation - excellent investigation that is also a lot of fun (unless you don't like Smarties!). Covers most HD1 curriculum elements from E1 to L1 along with other elements from N1 (whole numbers) and Measure (estimation). Covers counting, sorting, tallies, bar charts, mean, range and more. 3 pages. 45K
N1/E1.2 Read and write numbers up to ten including zero
(a) understand that numerals can be represented in different ways, e.g. Roman numerals, Arabic numerals.
(b) recognise Arabic numerals written in different fonts and styles.

tarsia fjsw

Cardinal and ordinal number match Tarsia puzzle is 16 piece jigsaw. Simple and straightforward but it makes a great group activity. Cardinal and ordinal numbers are matched with number words to form a triangle. This puzzle constructs sequentially, i.e. the word 'one' is at the triangle's apex, matching with 1, then two, underneath it and so on up to 10 in cardinals and 8th in ordinals (this makes it a lot easier for preEntry learners to see how the triangle is constructed). Andrea suggests: "Distribute the pieces at random around the group (sitting round a table). Ask learners to identify the numbers on their pieces to match with spoken words as they appear in the gradually growing triangle in the centre of the table. My learners were enthralled watching the big triangle 'grow' from the little triangles". Contributed by Andrea McCulloch, LEAP Skills for Life Centre, Barnard Castle and Learn East, Peterlee. 10K Created with Tarsia Formulator (see our Useful Links page for further details) which is available for free download and creates its own custom Tarsia (fjsw) files.

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updated Multi-purpose card based resources for Entry level literacy and numeracy (first uploaded 31/10/2001). One of our most popular resources has now been given a facelift. Includes 'Follow Me' warm-up activity cards on ordering days, months and seasons - for group numeracy sessions (EL1-EL3), also suitable for Literacy (Reading levels E1-E3). Small cards for matching months/days to abbreviations or order. Larger cards for playing matching / sorting games /alphabetical ordering and spelling. Useful key word reference sheets connected to time and numbers. Cheque writing help. Match upper and lower case key words. With dozens of teaching ideas. Best printed on card or laminated. 17 pages. 85K.

PDF Follow me cards provide practice for three Entry 1 curriculum elements in this tried and tested circular game format. 11 well-designed cards. Contributed by Paul Burnett, North Lincolnshire Adult Education Service.

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How old is Wayne Rooney? A great quiz that that involves writing numbers as words. 17K. 1 page. Contributed by Janet Kinsey (Abingdon and Witney College) janet.kinsey@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

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Smarties investigation - excellent investigation that is also a lot of fun (unless you don't like Smarties!). Covers most HD1 curriculum elements from E1 to L1 along with other elements from N1 (whole numbers) and Measure (estimation). Covers counting, sorting, tallies, bar charts, mean, range and more. 3 pages. 45K

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Place Value OT: a great mental starter for all levels. All you need is an overhead projector and some paper clips. 9K
N1/E1.3 Understand ordinal numbers

tarsia fjsw

Cardinal and ordinal number match Tarsia puzzle is 16 piece jigsaw. Simple and straightforward but it makes a great group activity. Cardinal and ordinal numbers are matched with number words to form a triangle. This puzzle constructs sequentially, i.e. the word 'one' is at the triangle's apex, matching with 1, then two, underneath it and so on up to 10 in cardinals and 8th in ordinals (this makes it a lot easier for preEntry learners to see how the triangle is constructed). Andrea suggests: "Distribute the pieces at random around the group (sitting round a table). Ask learners to identify the numbers on their pieces to match with spoken words as they appear in the gradually growing triangle in the centre of the table. My learners were enthralled watching the big triangle 'grow' from the little triangles". Contributed by Andrea McCulloch, LEAP Skills for Life Centre, Barnard Castle and Learn East, Peterlee. 10K Created with Tarsia Formulator (see our Useful Links page for further details) which is available for free download and creates its own custom Tarsia (fjsw) files.

PDF

updated Multi-purpose card based resources for Entry level literacy and numeracy (first uploaded 31/10/2001). One of our most popular resources has now been given a facelift. Includes 'Follow Me' warm-up activity cards on ordering days, months and seasons - for group numeracy sessions (EL1-EL3), also suitable for Literacy (Reading levels E1-E3). Small cards for matching months/days to abbreviations or order. Larger cards for playing matching / sorting games /alphabetical ordering and spelling. Useful key word reference sheets connected to time and numbers. Cheque writing help. Match upper and lower case key words. With dozens of teaching ideas. Best printed on card or laminated. 17 pages. 85K.

PDF More than - Less than paired or circular activities, and worksheets. 20K. 4 pages. Contributed by Janet Kinsey (Abingdon and Witney College) janet.kinsey@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
N1/E1.4 Add single-digit numbers with totals to 10
(a) understand the operation of addition and related vocabulary, e.g. add, sum of, total, plus, etc.
(b) know all pairs of numbers with a total of 10
(c) understand that addition is commutative (the concept not the terminology)

PDF

How to add and take away is a set of beautifully clear handouts (or classroom posters) for E1-2. Covers single and 2-digit numbers in a step by step fashion. Contributed by Jane Kay, Accrington and Rossendale College jkay@accross.ac.uk 8 pages. 60K

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The Four Operations - mathematical vocabulary provides a great introduction to basic Entry Level number work. Matching activity and fill-in exercise. Contributed by Paul Nixon. 3 pages. 30K

PDF Follow me cards provide practice for three Entry 1 curriculum elements in this tried and tested circular game format. 11 well-designed cards. Contributed by Paul Burnett, North Lincolnshire Adult Education Service.

PDF

Number Bonds - card match and ladder game. Match addition and subtraction problems to correct answers and practise mathematical vocabulary. Then play the Money Ladder game to practise coin recognition, and adding and subtracting to 10/20. 2 versions available (for E2 & E3).  Complete with spinners and ladder sheets. Contributed by Jean Thomas (The Henley College) jean@jeanthomas.co.uk 8 pages. 130K.

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Number bonds to 10 and 20. Two card games with full instructions and alternative games. Contributed by Judith White, Somerset Skills & Learning. 4 pages. 30K.

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Mental addition strategies - use reordering to speed up mental addition. Three step worksheet with hints and tips. 1 page. 25K

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100 Metres Dash! - excellent probability game / investigation that's a lot of fun for all levels. Contributed by Di Mellor DMellor@darlington.ac.uk Also HD2/L1.2, L2.1; HD1/E1.3, E2.4, E2.5, E3. 4; N1/E2.3 E3.3. 4 pages. 90K
PDF Maths vocabulary posters / handouts for ESOL numeracy (or any Entry Level students) - fraction words and the four operations Fractions words. Words for plus, minus, equals. Words for multiply, divide, equals. 3 colour A4 pages. Enlarge and laminate for posters. 34K (a)
PDF As above but in black and white for laser printers or photocopying. 3 pages. 34K

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Mental addition and subtraction cards for Entry 1, 2 and 3 (and revision and practise at higher levels). Question cards, teacher answer sheets with suggested strategies, single digit cards for further activities, large hundred square, individual hundred squares for lamination. Many links to interactive mental maths activities. 11 colour pages. 70K

PDF

Smarties investigation - excellent investigation that is also a lot of fun (unless you don't like Smarties!). Covers most HD1 curriculum elements from E1 to L1 along with other elements from N1 (whole numbers) and Measure (estimation). Covers counting, sorting, tallies, bar charts, mean, range and more. 3 pages. 45K
PDF Number Bonds to 10 and 20, activities and worksheets. 5 pages. 20K Contributed by Karen Hannah from South Thames College.
PDF Standard addition worksheet, 30 problems - horizontal format.
PDF Match-up addition worksheet, 15 problems - horizontal format. Draw lines to correct answer or write in answers as normal.

N1/E1.5 Subtract single-digit numbers from numbers up to 10

(a) understand the operation of subtraction and related vocabulary, e.g. difference, take away, less than
(b) know subtraction facts for pairs of numbers with totals up to 10, e.g. 10 - 5 = 4.
(c) know how to add back to check, e.g. 10 - 6 = 4,  6 + 4 = 10
(d) understand subtraction is not commutative and that, using whole positive numbers, you can only subtract a number from itself or a larger one
(e) understand that subtracting zero leaves a number unchanged

PDF

How to add and take away is a set of beautifully clear handouts (or classroom posters) for E1-2. Covers single and 2-digit numbers in a step by step fashion. Contributed by Jane Kay, Accrington and Rossendale College jkay@accross.ac.uk 8 pages. 60K

PDF

The Four Operations - mathematical vocabulary provides a great introduction to basic Entry Level number work. Matching activity and fill-in exercise. Contributed by Paul Nixon. 3 pages. 30K

PDF Follow me cards provide practice for three Entry 1 curriculum elements in this tried and tested circular game format. 11 well-designed cards. Contributed by Paul Burnett, North Lincolnshire Adult Education Service.

PDF

Number Bonds - card match and ladder game. Match addition and subtraction problems to correct answers and practise mathematical vocabulary. Then play the Money Ladder game to practise coin recognition, and adding and subtracting to 10/20. 2 versions available (for E2 & E3).  Complete with spinners and ladder sheets. Contributed by Jean Thomas (The Henley College) jean@jeanthomas.co.uk 8 pages. 130K.

PDF Maths vocabulary posters / handouts for ESOL numeracy (or any Entry Level students) - fraction words and the four operations Fractions words. Words for plus, minus, equals. Words for multiply, divide, equals. 3 colour A4 pages. Enlarge and laminate for posters. 34K (a)

PDF

Mental addition and subtraction cards for Entry 1, 2 and 3 (and revision and practise at higher levels). Question cards, teacher answer sheets with suggested strategies, single digit cards for further activities, large hundred square, individual hundred squares for lamination. Many links to interactive mental maths activities. 11 colour pages. 70K.

PDF

Smarties investigation - excellent investigation that is also a lot of fun (unless you don't like Smarties!). Covers most HD1 curriculum elements from E1 to L1 along with other elements from N1 (whole numbers) and Measure (estimation). Covers counting, sorting, tallies, bar charts, mean, range and more. 3 pages. 45K
PDF Standard subtraction worksheet, 30 problems - horizontal format.
PDF Match-up subtraction worksheet, 15 problems - horizontal format. Draw lines to correct answer or write in answers as normal.

N1/E1.4 and N1/E1.5

PDF Mixed Match-up worksheet covering both addition and subtraction as defined above.

N1/E1.6 Interpret + - and = in practical situations for solving problems

(a) understand that + and - represent the operations of addition and subtraction
(b) understand = represents equality, and know realted vocabulary e.g. equals, is equal to, is the same as.

PDF

The Four Operations - mathematical vocabulary provides a great introduction to basic Entry Level number work. Matching activity and fill-in exercise. Contributed by Paul Nixon. 3 pages. 30K

PDF

Write your own problems - contributed by Karen Hannah, kare.hannah@gmail.com, from South Thames College. Ideas for recognising different problems and using the four operations. N1/E1.6, N1/E2.7, N1/E1.7, N1/E2.8, N1/E3.9, N1/L1.3 5p. 40K

PDF

Smarties investigation - excellent investigation that is also a lot of fun (unless you don't like Smarties!). Covers most HD1 curriculum elements from E1 to L1 along with other elements from N1 (whole numbers) and Measure (estimation). Covers counting, sorting, tallies, bar charts, mean, range and more. 3 pages. 45K

N1/E1.7 Use a calculator to check calculations using whole numbers

(a) know the signs for addition, subtraction and equals
(b) recognise the numerals 0-9
(b) understand the order to key in numbers and operators
(b) know how to clear the display, and understand that this should be done before starting a new calculation

PDF

THOAN (think of a number) makes a great starter and can be adapted for all levels. Contributed by Fiona Campbell, Wiltshire College campfj@wiltscoll.ac.uk  2 pages. 20K.
PDF Where did we go on holiday? Is a differentiated whole group (E1 - L2) activity that's ideal for the first class after the summer break. Contributed by Judith White, Somerset Skills & Learning. 1 pages. 30K.

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Write your own problems - contributed by Karen Hannah, kare.hannah@gmail.com, from South Thames College. Ideas for recognising different problems and using the four operations. N1/E1.6, N1/E2.7, N1/E1.7, N1/E2.8, N1/E3.9, N1/L1.3 5p. 40K

Number - General Resources for a range of levels (including Entry 1) and / or curriculum elements

PDF

Numeracy over the Christmas holiday. Keep your students' skills going during the Christmas break with these ideas. 1 page for Entry level, one for levels 1/2. Covers number, measures, shape and space, and data. Contributed by Judith White, Somerset Skills & Learning. 2 pages. 30K. 2 pages.

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Numeracy during the summer. Keep your students' skills going during the summer break with these ideas. 1 page for Entry level, one for levels 1/2. Covers number, measures, shape and space, and data. Contributed by Judith White, Somerset Skills & Learning. 2 pages. 40K. 2 pages.

Excel progress charts showing all the curriculum indicators in any particular level. Each chart provides, on one page, a quick, visual record of progress and achievement and is particularly useful in forming and updating individual learning plans. They can be kept in students' basic skills folders and used to set targets and track progress. For more information on these files such as how the Entry level sheets relate to City and Guilds specifications, PLEASE ALSO DOWNLOAD this PDF overview file. All files contributed by Dave Walkden, dave.walkden@duchy.ac.uk basic skills tutor at Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Cornwall.

XLS

Entry 1 Numeracy. Student progress sheet. 1 sheet. 20K Please also download overview PDF above.

Cross-referencing files for the City & Guilds entry level numeracy specifications. Maps the specifications to the respective Core Curricula elements with example and sample activities. Focuses tutors' activities onto the areas that students need to cover for progression.  For general information on these files PLEASE ALSO DOWNLOAD this PDF overview file. Contributed by Dave Walkden, dave.walkden@duchy.ac.uk  basic skills tutor at Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Cornwall.

DOC

City & Guilds Entry 1 numeracy specs mapped to numeracy curriculum. 4 pages. 86K Please also download overview PDF above.

Individual tables / 100 squares.

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Used in pre-GCSE maths for: mental maths, number patterns, multiples, helping with division (if you don't know your tables) and much more. But useful for all levels from E1-L2. 2 pages (one page of 100 squares, 1 page of tables squares). Print back to back on pastel paper, cut up and give to learners to keep. Print on paper and use to investigate number patters (e.g. highlight all multiples of 4 in 100 square, highlight square numbers in tables square, etc.). 28K.
Number Investigation based on Bruner's Beans. Contributed by Di Mellor DMellor@darlington.ac.uk from Darlington College

PDF

Recognise and understand multiples, factors and prime numbers. Great investigation that can be differentiated for Entry 1 - Level 2. N1/E1.1 N1/E2.1 N1/E3.5 N1/L1.5 N1/L2.2 HD1/E1.3 HD1/E2.4 HD1/E2.5 HD1/E3.4. 3 pages with teachers notes and links. 30K.
Mental addition and subtraction cards for Entry 1, 2 and 3 (and revision and practise at higher levels)

PDF

Question game cards, teacher answer sheets with suggested strategies, single digit cards for further activities, large hundred square, individual hundred squares for lamination. Many links to interactive mental maths activities. N1/E1.4, N1/E1.5, N1/E2.3, N1/E2.4, N1/E3.2, N1/E3.3. 11 colour pages. 70K.
Smarties investigation

PDF

Excellent investigation that is also a lot of fun (unless you don't like Smarties!). Covers most HD1 elements from E1 to L1 along with other elements from N1 and MSS1. Covers counting, sorting, tallies, bar charts, mean, range and more. Contributed by Di Mellor from Darlington College. 3 pages. 45K
Miscellaneous number lines
PDF 5 sets of number lines useful for addition/subtraction, negative numbers, decimals, reading scales. 8 or 10 lines per page. a) no numbers, four units each split into 10.  b) no number 10 units each with ten divisions.  c) numbered 1-20 with halves marked. d) 1-10 marked in tenths. e) -10 through to +10. 5 pages. 25K.

Entry 2 Number Entry 3 Number Level 1 number. Level 2 Number 

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