Pupils can count on new numeracy aid

Feb 25 2010 by Nicola Juncar, The Journal

YOUNGSTERS at a North East school are helping to promote a pioneering teaching method developed in the region to support children who suffer from “number blindness”.

The students from Emmanuel College in Lobley Hill, Gateshead, were drafted in to launch the third stage of the Addacus programme.

The educational pack, called Addacus: The ABC of Numbers, is being used by schools nationwide including Emmanuel College.

The method was developed by retired teacher Celia Stone, an expert in dyslexia who lives in Northumberland.

She transferred her skills in coaching children to beat their difficulties in literacy to help them overcome dyscalculia, a similar problem with numbers.

Mrs Stone said: “The first Addacus stage is aimed at younger children and draws on their senses so they can see, hear, feel and experiment with numbers from one to nine.

“It makes learning fun and creative and raises their confidence levels, which also makes it an excellent way to introduce numbers to every child and give them a head start.

“Pack three is the final stage of the programme.

“It follows on from stage two, where pupils cover the numbers 10 to 99.

“Pack three takes them from 100 to 999 and includes an introduction to decimals and fractions and the concepts of money and time.”