Adult Numeracy, Functional Maths, and GCSE Resources

This ‘random number generator’ is an open ended resource that the author originally designed to use for mental maths (adding or taking away 10 from the displayed number). It was later used it as part of a ‘Question of Sport’ quiz (in the spelling round!): learners choose a picture and then spell the ‘random’ number that appears: 49, 32, 28, 46, 67, 55, 21, 74 and 13 (these be edited to suit and could also be linked to any set of numbered, pre-prepared quiz questions on any topic).

A great way show any Skills for Life learner how to play this popular puzzle and makes a good warm up activity. Use to provoke general discussion on logic-steps and how puzzles help to sharpen the mind and increase brain activity!

A Simple and straightforward 16 piece jigsaw that 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).

Quick matching activity (makes a good starter and would also work well displayed on large screen).

A fabulous self-checking times table card game. Four sets of cards for x6, x7, x8, x9.

June 2011 There is now a second version of this popular resource adapted by Ruth Read – aimed at E2-E3 and covering x2 × 3 ×5 ×10 tables.

THOAN (think of a number) makes a great starter and can be adapted for all levels.

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. Updated in 2008.

A super differentiated whole group activity (E2 – L2) for spring, summer or autumn. Covers measures, area, rounding, substitution and more.

A differentiated whole group (E1 – L2) activity that’s ideal for the first class after the summer break.

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.