1 + 6 10 – 3 10 – 2 5 + 3 8 – 6

12 Numicon – Number, Pattern and Calculating 2

© Oxford University Press 2014. This page can be copied for use in the purchasing school.

Pattern and Algebra 3, Exploring equivalence – introducing empty box notation

Train Dominoes

How this will help your child• This activity will help your child to understand that

‘equivalence’ means ‘equal value’.

Words and phrases to useequals, is equal to, has the same value as

You will need• Card Numicon Shapes 1–10

• Scissors

During the activity, look at what your child can do

• Make their own equal value number sentences, e.g. 7 + 3 = 4 + 6.

What to do• Cut out the domino cards and the train from the

Train Dominoes sheet.

• Explain that the dominoes need to be loaded on to the train in the correct order, so that the number sentences match up along the train.

• Take turns to add a load to the train, making sure that the number sentences on the dominoes match up correctly. 1 Your child may wish to use their card Numicon Shapes to check their ideas.

• When the train is full, ask your child to draw two more carriages and work out some loads of their own that could be added.

Next steps…

• Talk about using different coins to make the same amount with your child. Look at a range of coins and give them the chance to try to make totals in different ways, e.g. making 10 p with 5 p + 5 p, or 5 p + 2 p + 2 p + 1 p.

• Find two card Numicon Shapes that together total 10 or less. Put them on the table and ask your child to find two other Shapes that will equal them.

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– 3

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