Using Roamer to fulfill the key
objectives of the National Numeracy Strategy
In the early years Roamer provides a concrete way to explore all the
key objectives. Thus allowing pupils to form a solid foundation of mathematical
understanding upon which to build in later years.
Following is a table giving samples of workcards that offer a structured
approach to learning or an example of a Roamer activity that will deliver
the objective.
Reception
Objective
Roamer workcard/activity
Say and use the number names in order in familiar contexts
Any Roamer activity
Count reliably up to 10 everyday objects
Place numerical groups of objects on different squares
of a Roamer mat , throw a dice and program Roamer to go to the appropriate
place.
Recognise numerals 1 to 9
Number 1.1
Use language such as more or less, greater or smaller,
to compare two numbers or quantities
Estimation 3.2
In practical activities and discussion, begin to use
the vocabulary involved in adding and subtracting.
Number 3.2
Find one more or less than a number from 1 to 10
Turn over a number card and program Roamer to go along
a number line to that number. Spin a wheel to either +1 or -1. Program
Roamer to do it.
Begin to relate addition to combining two groups of objects,
and subtraction to "taking away"
Number 1.2
Talk about, recognise and recreate simple patterns
Shape 1.1
Use language such as circle or bigger to describe the
shape and size of solids and flat shapes
Shape 2.3
Use everyday word to describe position
One chid describes a position on a set of Roamer mats
that they want Roamer to get to. From the description another child
has to program Roamer to go there.
Use developing mathematical ideas and methods to solve
practical problems
Number 3.3
Year 1
Objective
Roamer workcard/activity
Count reliably at least 20 objects
Same activity as for reception but with 10 - 20 objects.
Count on and back in ones from any small number, and
in tens from and back to zero
Same activity as for recption (+1/-1). Use a number line
that features tens rather than units.
Read, write and order numbers from 0 to at least 20;
understand and use the vocabulary of comparing and ordering these
numbers
Literacy Pack Worksheet 6.3
Within the range 0 to 30, say the number that is 1 or
10 more or less than any given number
Let Roamer travel up and down a number line up to 30.
Various activities.
Understand the operation of addition, and of subtraction
and use the related vocabulary
Number 2.4
Know by heart all pairs of numbers with a total of 10
Literacy Pack Worksheet 5.1 & 5.4
Use mental strategies to solve simple problems using
counting, addition, subtraction, doubling and halving, explaining
methods and reasoning orally
Number 3.3
Compare two lengths, masses or capacities by direct comparison
Create two Roamer race tracks. Which is fastest? Why?
Suggest suitable standard or uniform non-standard units
and measuring equipment, then measure a length
Units 1.4
Use everyday language to describe features of familiar
3-D and 2-D shapes
Shape 1.4
Year 2
Objective
Roamer workcard/activity
Describe and extend simple number sequences...
On a number line the postperson travels up delivering
to all the even numbers and back delivering to all the odd numbers.
Other variations possible (prime numbers etc.)
Understand that subtraction is the inverse of addition;
state the subtraction corresponding to a given addition
Number 3.4
Know by heart all additins and subtraction fact for each
number to at least 10
Number 3.1
Use knowledge that addition can be done in any order
to do mental calculations more efficiently
Number 1.3
Estimate, measure and compare lengths, masses and capacities
using standard units; suggest suitable units and equipment for such
measurements
Estimation 1.2
Use the mathematical names for common 2-D and 3-D shapes;
sort shapes and describe some of their features
Shape 2.4
Use mathematical vocabulary to describe position, direction
and movement
Turning 1.3
Choose and use appropriate operations and efficient calculation
strategies to solve problems, explaining how the problem was solved
Get two Roamer to dance together
Whilst fewer of the objectives from Years 3 - 6 are directly satisfied
by the current Roamer workcards more are being written to respond to the
numeracy key objectives for these years. Obviously Roamer can still provide
a concrete (and fun!) experience with activities tailored to the specific
requirements of the Numeracy Strategy.
