What is Numbershark?
Numbershark is a computer program to help anyone improve their understanding and use of numbers. The program teaches and reinforces numeracy using 45 carefully designed games. There are over 500 topics to choose from. The topics address each of the number operations + - x ÷ plus fractions, decimals and simple percentages, in very gradual steps. The topics are quick to access and clear examples are given on screen. Numbershark gives a fresh set of ‘sums’ each time a topic is selected. The wide variety of games and options give many ways to practise the same work and to promote both the understanding and the memorising of number facts, whilst maintaining interest. The games are excellent for use on an interactive whiteboard and children enjoy playing the games on the big screen. An on-screen keypad is provided with the program. The program has an A4 size manual with advice on use of the program. There are also on-screen help boxes for every game and pop-up teaching notes.
For what ages is it suitable?
Numbershark is mostly used by students aged between 6 and 14. Some of the games are more suitable for younger children but many games are appropriate for any age. A few of the games are more suitable for younger children. Older students, with reasonable number skills use Numbershark to improve their mental maths - sometimes before exams. Variable speeds and other options meet all levels of skill. The variety of games, concepts and topics make Numbershark suitable for use in primary school and also secondary school where students have gaps in understanding.
Numbershark is a program to help anyone improve their numeracy. It addresses many of the difficulties which lead students to dislike maths.Numbershark 4 is the latest version.
Detailed Info:
This structured course covering 500 topics supports the renewed DfES Framework. 45 games teach and reinforce numeracy, promoting both understanding and memorising of number facts and the standard written methods. Games include practice in different aspects of place value, ordering, grouping, commutativity, exchange and links between operations. 1500 word problems help put numbers into context. Rods, number line, scale, digits, words, abacus, number pad and 100square show numbers in many of their different formats. Mental strategies are well addressed at all levels.
The CD addresses many of the difficulties which lead students to dislike maths, including poor short-term memory, limited attention span and poor sequencing skills. Teachers can set up individual programmes of work to support Personalised Learning and records of student activities are kept. Variable options in the games meet all grades of skill and Help screens can be shown and spoken alongside games as you play them.
