How We Make Numbers Visual by LS Tuition
At LS Tuition, we believe that maths isn’t just a subject; it’s a gateway to logical thinking, problem-solving, and even creativity. As a trusted maths tutor in Edinburgh, we’re committed to a holistic approach; making maths a joyful and engaging experience for all of our students. Our approach involves transforming numbers into something students can touch, see, and interact with, helping concepts stick in a lasting and meaningful way.
For those seeking a primary school tutor in Edinburgh who can support academic skills while nurturing a lifelong love of learning, here’s some ways we enjoy making numbers visual in our dedicated Learning Space. We incorporate various trusted resources while using innovative, hands-on tools, and blend established methods with our unique, holistic teaching approach.
Why Visual Learning Matters in Maths
Young children learn best when they can see and experience concepts rather than just hear about them. Visual aids are a cornerstone of early maths education, as emphasised by Education Scotland’s Numeracy and Mathematics Curriculum, which highlights the role of hands-on learning in deepening understanding. At LS Tuition, visual learning allows children to grasp abstract concepts in a concrete way, helping them build a foundation for future learning. Sharp Scot also recognises the impact of making maths visual, emphasising the effectiveness of interactive tools and games for young learners.
We integrate this guidance by using visual tools that help students recognise patterns, understand place value, and build confidence in tackling new challenges independently.
How We Bring Maths to Life: Our Visual Tools
In our Learning Space, we use a range of visual tools that make numbers interactive and engaging. Each tool serves a unique purpose, helping students develop essential maths skills in ways that feel fun and approachable.
Exploring Large Numbers with the 100,000 Board and ‘Find the Number’ Games
Recognising and working with large numbers can be challenging, but it becomes fun and intuitive with our 100,000 number board. Here, children locate, mark, and even estimate the placement of large numbers. This aligns well with Top Marks’ interactive methods for supporting spatial awareness in maths, as students learn to visualise the size and order of numbers.
Through ‘Find the Number’ games, students improve their mental maths skills and increase their number familiarity. These games encourage repeated exposure, so that numbers feel more familiar and less daunting over time, a proven method to reduce maths anxiety and build number confidence.
Matching Games and our Activity Arena for Pattern Recognition and Memory Skills
Our matching games serve as an excellent tool for helping children recognise numerical patterns and boost memory. By matching numbers or connecting related concepts, students learn to recognise sequences more easily. The fun, repetitive nature of matching makes it easy for children to learn without realising they’re doing maths!
In our Activity Arena, students regularly enjoy a more open-ended approach to numbers, exploring activities that allow for self-guided learning. This environment is essential for fostering independence and confidence, and it provides a space for children to apply maths in ways that feel relevant to their interests.
Building Problem-Solving Skills in the Critical Thinking Area
Our Critical Thinking Area is dedicated to helping students work through real-world maths problems. Here, children encounter puzzles and challenges that require logical thinking, as recommended by Education Scotland, for developing resilience and flexibility in maths learning. Tackling these puzzles improves critical thinking skills, preparing children not just to solve specific problems but to approach maths with a problem-solving mindset. This supports our holistic education approach, helping our students to critically analyse the world around them and independently find solutions to problems.
Pop-Its with Numbers for Sensory-Based Learning
Children are naturally drawn to tactile learning, and we make the most of this with Pop-Its that feature numbers. Adding numbers to this popular toy provides a sensory way for children to practise counting, addition, and subtraction in a way that feels like play rather than traditional learning. Pop-Its help embed number sequences in children’s minds, allowing them to develop numerical fluency in an enjoyable and stress-free way.
Interactive Learning with Laptops and Online Games
Incorporating technology is a natural part of today’s learning environment, and we use laptops with interactive games to support specific maths concepts, such as fractions, multiplication, and division. We carefully select online resources which provide structured, child-friendly games. These interactive games introduce children to technology as a learning tool, which enhances both engagement and understanding.
Giant Board Games for Movement-Based Learning
Children love our giant board games, where maths becomes an active, social experience. Board games encourage movement, collaboration, and strategy—all essential elements for developing both maths and social skills, supporting the development of the whole child. As students navigate these games, they apply their knowledge in an exciting way, moving away from purely academic learning and towards a more collaborative approach.
Creating a Learning Space That Supports Holistic Education
At LS Tuition, our commitment to holistic education means that we prioritise each child’s social, emotional, and academic development. Our Learning Space is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to move freely between different areas and engage in various activities based on their needs. This flexibility fosters a sense of independence, encouraging students to explore maths in ways that are meaningful to them.
Nurturing Emotional Skills in Maths
Maths can be an intimidating subject, but by providing a safe, supportive environment, we help children build resilience, patience, and confidence. Group-based games and activities create opportunities for students to learn together, support each other, and celebrate their success. This communal aspect of our Learning Space reinforces positive attitudes toward learning, turning maths into a rewarding and shared experience.
Dedicated Support and Individualised Learning
Our tutors work closely with each student to identify their strengths, interests, and areas where they need more support. We understand that every child learns at their own pace, and by tailoring our teaching to suit the individual’s needs, we provide students with the best chance to succeed. Our tutors encourage children to ask questions, make mistakes, and discover their potential in a nurturing and positive environment.
Why LS Tuition?
If you’re seeking a primary school tutor in Edinburgh who will make maths a visual and interactive experience, we combine traditional methods with innovative tools to create a truly holistic learning environment. Our approach, which has been highlighted by Sharp Scot, is designed to support both academic success and a love for learning.
By focusing on holistic education, we help students not only excel in maths but develop critical skills that they can carry with them through all areas of life.