6, 7 and 8 - Number Work and Talk in Bluebirds

Over the past few weeks, Bluebirds have been exploring the numbers 6, 7 and 8 through a range of practical and discussion-based activities.

We began by looking at recognising these numbers in different ways, using a variety of representations. In small groups, the children talked about what they could see, what they noticed and how the representations were the same or different. These conversations supported them in developing their understanding while also encouraging them to explain their thinking clearly to others.

We then moved on to exploring composition, thinking about the different ways each number can be made. The children used practical resources to build the numbers and discussed their ideas with their peers, beginning to use simple mathematical language to explain their choices.

This week, we have focused on composition alongside creating number sentences to match. The children first had time to think independently before working collaboratively in groups. They discussed how to make each number and generated different number sentences, explaining their reasoning to one another. We also spent time looking at other groups’ work, where the children shared observations and talked about what was the same and what was different in each set of answers.

Through these activities, the children have not only developed their understanding of numbers 6, 7 and 8 and how they can be composed, but have also strengthened their oracy skills—learning to articulate their ideas, listen to others and build on shared thinking.