Numeracy Resources
Common Approaches in Numeracy
Exemplars that may be useful for schools when adopting a common approach to various areas of
numeracy are available at www.pdst.ie It is recommended that the common approach be agreed upon
by the maths department first, before being implemented at whole-school level. It is envisaged that these
approaches should be used across the curriculum to enhance consistency in the teaching and learning
of numeracy across all subjects. The common approaches provided can also be printed out as A3 charts
thus creating a numeracy-rich environment.
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Addition of Fractions
Graphic Analysis
Percentages
Decimals
Ratio
Statistics
Whole School Approach to Problem Solving
Whole School Questioning Initiative
Extension Tasks
Numeracy Books
 Inclusive Mathematics 11-18 (Special needs in ordinary schools series) [Paperback]
Mike Ollerton (Author), Anne Watson (Author) (£17.99 – www.amazon.co.uk )
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Numeracy and Learning Difficulties: Approaches to Teaching and Assessment [Paperback]
Peter Westwood (Author) (£18.99 – www.amazon.co.uk )
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How to Develop Numeracy in Children with Dyslexia [Paperback]
Pauline Clayton (Author), Rebecca Barnes (Author) (£8.39 – www.amazon.co.uk )
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Maths Worksheets – NALA – National Adult Literacy Agency
(€20.65 - http://www.nala.ie/resources/maths-worksheets )
Mathematical Language
NCCA/PPDS Bridging Mathematical Glossary
www.pdst.ie
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Access to a glossary of mathematical terms. The glossary is designed to
inform students/parents/teachers of the vocabulary and meaning of terms in mathematics that
students may have encountered in primary school and will encounter when they transfer to postprimary education. Many of these terms are used throughout the strands in junior cycle, but it is
not a comprehensive list for Junior Cert. The definitions and examples here are specifically
chosen for use in 5th and 6th classes in primary and junior cycle mathematics in post-primary
schools in Ireland.
Special Education Support Service, c/o Cork Education Support Centre, The Rectory, Western Road, Cork
Tel: 1850 200 884 - Fax: 021 425 5647 - Email: info@sess.ie
Dr. Máire Ní Ríordáin's Mathematical Register
www.pdst.ie
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Dr Máire Ní Ríordáin's exemplar offers an approach to teaching mathematical vocabulary that
can be adapted for other mathematical terms.
Keywords of Numeracy
http://www.jcspliteracy.ie/num_initiatives.php
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This resource pack has been planned and developed to support the teaching and learning of
numeracy and numerical literacy in JCSP schools and, in particular, the vocabulary, language
and communication component of numerical literacy. Please note that this suite of “Keywords of
Numeracy” is not exhaustive and teachers may add to and extend the suite as required.
Key Definitions in Numeracy
http://www.jcspliteracy.ie/num_initiatives.php
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The “Key Definitions in Numeracy” resource book has been planned and developed to support
the teaching and learning of numeracy and numerical literacy in JCSP schools. Concise and
student-friendly definitions of key concepts, processes and terminology of numeracy are provided
in this resource book. An additional suite of key measurement formulae is also provided.
Problem Solving
Research shows that students learn mathematics as a result of solving problems. Mathematical ideas
are the outcomes of problem solving experience rather than elements that must be taught before
problem solving. (Hiebert et al., 1996, 1997) Furthermore, the process of solving problems is completely
interwoven with learning; children are learning mathematics by doing mathematics and by doing
mathematics they are learning mathematics. (Cai, 2010) Here is a selection of problems and solutions
adapted from the nrich website. These could be used in various classes or they could be used for
problem-of-the-week material.
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Estimation Problems
Estimation Solutions
Place Value, Integers, Ordering and Rounding Problems
Place Value, Integers, Ordering and Rounding Solutions
Factors, Multiples, Primes Problems
Factors, Multiples, Primes Solutions
Online Resources
Below is a list of some useful websites and apps which can be used to promote and develop wholeschool numeracy capacity.
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http://www.pdst.ie/numeracylinkteacher link to PDST link teacher info
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http://www.sess.ie/resources/curricular-material link to the SESS website which has a selection
of resources in curricular areas including Maths.
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http://www.tes.co.uk/taxonomysearchresults.aspx?parametrics=52004,52064,52066&mode=browse
Maths for Students with Special Educational Needs section of the www.tes.co.uk website. Free
registration and a large array of Numeracy resources available.
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www.senteacher.org Follow this link http://www.senteacher.org/print/mathematics/ to bring you to a
large number of printables, specialist links, software and search tools for all types and levels of
special education.
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http://www.resourceroom.net/math/index.asp
Structured multi-sensory learning resources.
http://www.dyscalculia.org/
Information and advice for teachers on Maths learning difficulties.
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http://www.down-syndrome.org/updates/2031/
Information on teaching Numeracy to students with Down Syndrome.
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http://www.sess.ie/sites/all/modules/wysiwyg/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/filemanager/files/Cat
egories/Downs_Syndrome/DS_TeachingNumber.pdf
Information on Teaching Number to students with Down Syndrome.
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www.ixl.com
Numeracy practice online. IXL is aligned to the Irish national curriculum.
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http://www.jcspliteracy.ie/num_jcsp_resources.php An array of Numeracy Resources available from
the JCSP team
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http://nrich.maths.org/frontpageNRICH is a team of qualified teachers who are also practitioners in
RICH mathematical thinking.
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http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com Online educational video games
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http://worksheets.theteachercorner.net Word puzzles e.g. Why is a manhole cover round?
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http://www.mangahigh.com/en_gb/games Short versions of free Maths games. Students can play
full length versions for free if you create a school account and issue them with logins.
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http://nlvm.usu.edu Resources for various strands available. Scroll down to grades 9-12 for
second level resources.
http://www.thatquiz.org/ Very good quizzes and tests against the clock.
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http://www.mathplayground.com/geoboard.html Interactive geoboard
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http://www.theteachercorner.net/ A collection of educational worksheets, lesson plans, activities
and resources for teachers and parents
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http://www.jcspliteracy.ie/num_initiatives.php JCSP Numeracy initiatives
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http://jcsp.slss.ie/resource_category/view/1400 JCSP Maths resources
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http://www.mathworksheetsland.com/topics/graphing/readingdatatables/5pack.pdf reading tables
activity
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http://numberloving.com/2011/11/13/numeracy-coordinator-making-the-role-count/ numeracy
coordinator information
Other Useful Websites
http://www.examinations.ie/ Here you will find access to state examination papers, Chief Examiners'
reports, details of syllabus changes and marking schemes from previous years.
http://www.ncca.ie/ Visit Home - News/Press - Newsletter available on line.
http://www.projectmaths.ie/ Syllabus Changes and Resources for Teaching and Learning.
http://www.imta.ie recently updated in September 2007 with contacts for local branches for teachers
interested in joining the IMTA
http://www.nctm.org American site for mathematics teachers of all levels. To get full benifit from site
you must join but some good free material available.
http://www.erc.ie/pisa/ The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is an
international assessment of the skills and knowledge of 15-year-olds in 55 countries.
This site gives details from an Irish perspective.
http://www.pisa.oecd.org/ The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), home page.
http://www.mathworld.com
http://www.openref.com Generally a resourceful site. If you want clear, well animated contsructions,
this is your main man!
http://www.scoilnet.ie Irish schools website. Good maths content for both Junior Cert. and Leaving
cert. Follow the links. Teachers, Subject, Leaving Cert / Junior Cert, Mathematics.
http://www.teachnet.ie/tbrophy/ Excellent site for Junior Cert. theorems. Great animation.
http://www.teachnet.ie TechNet Ireland has 21 Leaving Cert. and 25 Junior Cert. maths sections and
all sections are very relevant as they are designed by practicing Irish mathematics teachers.
http://www.skoool.ie/default.asp Irish site for teachers and students with information on all subjects.
The Mathematics section is relevant for all levels. Interactive material for use with Junior Cert.
classes.
http://homepage.eircom.net/~horstpunzet This site has solutions for Ordinary Level Leaving Cert
Maths, which covers all questions from 1997 to 2004
http://www.teachnet.ie/hpunzet/ This site shows an interactive PowerPoint presentations for LC
Areas and Volumes.
http://www.teachnet.ie/hpunzet/2006/ This site shows an interactive PowerPoint presentations for LC
Trigonometry
http://www.tsm-resources.com Excellent site. All areas of maths. Highly recomended. Great links
from this site.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ Good website for teachers and students. Go to secondary level and
then the maths section to find , mock exams, classroom resources, useful links and some
worksheets.
http://www.math.com Good interactive site for use in class. Check out the Roman Numerals
Calculator in the "Wonders of Maths" link.
http://www.quickmath.com This site gives automatic answers to most types of maths problems.
Good for quick solutions, especially for Leaving Cert.
http://coolmath.com Suitable for Junior Cert. Printable worksheetes particularly useful.
http://cut-the-knot.com Excellent site. Very useful resource for Transition Years teachers.
http://forum.swarthmore.edu/library/ This site is like an internet library of maths topics. Good for
Leaving Cert. higher level. Some of the internal links in this site do not work.
http://dir.yahoo.com/science/mathematics/ This site gives classified links to most maths topics.
http://www.mathsnet.net Some good interactive material for Junior Cert. students.
Numeracy Apps
EZ 4 Calculator (€2.69)
 Beautifully designed calculator which is simple in portrait mode and scientific in landscape.
Sudoku Tablet (free)
 There are many Sudoku apps out there but this free one is sufficient for most learning purposes.
Alien Kids Math Free (free)
 Simple and visual app to help with basic addition, subtraction and counting - paid version adds
extras.
I Am Learning: KS2 Maths (€2.69)
 Part of ‘I Am Learning’ range of apps from UK web based homework & revision site - also a
GCSE app.
Mia’s Playground (free)
 Great app for developing the classification and sorting skills of younger learners.
LUDO board game (free)
 Traditional board game for up to four players ported to the iPad - good for learning to count.
Math Magic (€0.89)
 Simple maths game with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division sums - for young
children.
Super 7 (€0.89)
 Maths game based around the number 7 - visually strong with great graphics.
Math Bingo (€0.89)
 Maths game using bingo - answer addition, subtraction, division & multiplication sums to win.
Numulus (€0.89)
 Fun maths app where you have to make calculations with coloured numbers to progress.
TallyPad (free)
Simple but useful app for counting and adding up scores - good for class polling and voting.
IMathmatics (free)
 Maths encyclopaedia with masses of number-based info
Ace Multiply Matrix HD (free)
 Engaging app which uses a wooden style checkerboard to test mental arithmetic.
IFormulae (free)
 Straightforward collection of mathematical formulae and equations with examples for KS3 and 4.
Quick Graph (free)
 Powerful graphing calculator which produces 2D and 3D charts and models - KS 3 and 4.
Fraction Basics (free)
 Set of video animations with synthesised voice over explaining all about fractions.
Fraction Monkeys (€2.69)
 Explains fraction with the use of cute monkeys which need to be placed in the correct position
along a line.
100’s Board (€2.69)
 Versatile grid app which can be used for many maths exercises - could be fun in the classroom.
The Counting Game (free)
 Basic but fun counting app where you choose the number to be counted with and then face a
quiz.
I Have (free)
 Really engaging and slightly addictive mental maths app with 4 players.
MATHsKOOL 1 (€1.79)
 Set of six maths apps which give info and set questions for a range of abilities.
Digicubes (free)
 Really useful app which has cubes that change colour depending on how many are linked
together.
Eggs on Legs (€0.89)
 Fun little maths game for younger learners which involves throwing a ball at an egg to reveal
answers.
Math Dictionary for Kids (€2.69)
 Comprehensive collection of maths terms and concepts - has useful built-in notes function.
Geometry Test (€0.89)
 Substantial app covering most if not all aspects of geometry organised into a set of questions &
tests.
Pora Ora: Leapfrog (free)
 Game based times table app which is challenging and engaging for younger learners.
Toca Store (€2.69)
 Fun little ‘shopkeeper’ app where 2 children can role play buying products in a shop with a till &
money.
MathBoard Addition (free)
 Simple addition quiz with a useful ‘working out’ area so children can show their work - upgrade
loses ads.
Bugs and Numbers (€2.69)
 Rich and immersive learning environment which is fun and will appeal to younger learners
MyScript Calculator (free)
 Impressive calculator which uses handwriting recognition for input of calculations.
Pizza Fractions (free)
 Simple and fun introduction to fractions using a pizza & its segments - suitable for primary
schools.
Dotty Shapes for iPad (€2.69)
 Pleasant and engaging number and alphabet games based on shapes.
Math Formulas (free)
 Reference set of over 100 maths formulas for secondary school students.
Animals Counting Writing game (free)
 Young children’s app for learning to spell and draw numbers.
Math Drills (free)
 App for learning addition, subtraction, multiplication & division - nice graphics.
Proportion Solver (free)
 Useful app which helps solve proportion problems with a straightforward well-designed interface.
Jumbo Calculator (free)
 A nice big full screen calculator which is free and has no ads - great for small hands.
PopMath Maths plus (€0.89)
 Delightful young children’s app which uses floating bubbles (and sounds) to learn maths sums.
Algebra Touch Intro (free)
 App to take learners through the basics of algebra - free version has first five lessons.
Grid Guru (free)
 Interesting app which tackles long multiplication by splitting the sum into component parts via
grids.
Mathemagics (€2.69)
 App for learning and practicing mental maths inc. addition, multiplication, square numbers,
division etc.
Math ref (free)
 Essentially a reference book with over 1400 formulas, tips and equations
Number Bonds (€1.79)
 Numeracy app which has impressive (if elaborate) graphics which could keep learner engaged.
MathBlaster (free)
 Brilliant arcade game that involves solving maths problems in order to progress - primary level.
Virtual Manipulatives (free)
 Another really useful app for 1 to 1 work with a learner trying to understand fractions &
percentages.
Astro Math (free)
 Simple arcade game based on prime numbers which could be fun and educational for younger
learners.
Minds of Modern Mathematics (free)
 Beautifully presented timeline of significant historical mathematical characters and events.
Fractions & Decimals Students’ App (free)
 Straightforward fractions app with some nice visual learning approaches - free version is limited.
NXTApp (€2.69)
 Engaging maths game inc. add, subtract, multiply & divide sections using timed sessions.
Mathletics Student (free)
 App designed to integrate with the popular Mathletics web site
What Time Is It Mr Wolf? (€0.89)
 Fun learning to tell the time app with very nice graphics with plenty of options in the settings.
Motion Math - Fractions (€3.59)
 Arcade style game with a bouncing ball which (via accelerometers) has to land on the correct
fraction.
King of Maths (€3.59) is a fast-paced mathematics game with lots of fun and diverse problems in
different areas
Wolfram Pre-Algebra Course Assistant (€1.79) - early algebra practice
Algebra Touch (€2.69) – good refresher for algebra skills
Fraction Basic (free) fun practice on basic fractions
Tangrams XL (free) – uses tangrams to develop identification of shape, colour, patterns etc.
MATHEMATICAL ACTIVITIES
http://www.links4kids.co.uk/mathscience.htm
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For teachers/students worksheets etc – you need to use an email address to access site.
http://www.aplusmath.com
 American site. Great for first years to help with mental maths and basic algebra. Free interactive
games, worksheets generated and videos to choose from.
http://matti.usu.edu/nlvm/nav/frames_asid_191_g_3_t_2
 Function machine which can be used to introduce the idea of a function. Very useful class
activity.
http://matti.usu.edu/nlvm/nav/vlibrary.html
 Good variety of interactive problems. Suitable for all levels at Junior Certificate students.
http://www.math.hmc.edu
 Some useful questions for Higher Level Leaving Cert. For all levels, follow the link for Maths Fun
Facts at the bottom of the home page
http://www.mymaths.co.uk
 Excellent site. Good interactivity. Good activity sheets. Full access cost £390 + vat.
www.elsp.ie
 English language Support Project for Post-Primary Schools. Contains Language Support Activity
Units to support teaching and Learning for topics in Junior Cert and Leaving Cert Mathsparticular emphasis on the Language of Maths.
Literacy for Numeracy Resources
The following collection of resources could be used to teach Mathematical vocabulary to students…..
1. Study Stack
www.studystack.ie
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Excellent resource which helps with memorisation tasks through a variety of
online flashcard activities. Students may use an existing study stack materials or create one of
their own. They can also be used as a classroom teaching tool. There many many resources
readily available to use in class listed on the website.
See these links as an example - http://www.studystack.com/Math
2. Quizlet
www.quizlet.com
 Quizlet is a free website providing learning tools for students, including flashcards, study and
game modes. Really engaging for students
3. Free Rice
www.freerice.com
 Freerice is a free online learning tool, which allows players to raise rice to fight world hunger
while learning through educational, multiple-choice games. For every question the user answers
correctly, 10 grains of rice are donated to the World Food Programme. ...
4. Spelling city
www.spellingcity.com
5. Wordle
www.wordle.net
Wordle is a toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide. The clouds give greater
prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text.
6. Visual Dictionary Online
http://visual.merriam-webster.com/index.php
7. Visual Thesaurus
www.visualthesaurus.com
8. Online Graphical Dictionary
www.visuwords.com
9. Comic Strips
http://www.pimpampum.net/bubblr/
A tool to create comic strips
10. JCSP resources for Numeracy
http://www.jcspliteracy.ie/num_jcsp_resources.php
Some resources focus on Mathematical Numeracy including Workbooks, Key Words, Key Definitions
etc.