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Children's activities ages 11+

We want every young person in the UK to feel good about numbers. Feeling confident to use and work with numbers will stand them in good stead for daily life beyond the classroom.

The resources on this page can be used at home or school to help reveal the magic of numbers in real-life, hobbies and interests.

Bobby Seagull

Numbers in Space with the Royal Astronomical Society 

Did you know you can become a time traveller? Or that astronauts grow in space? Or how long it would take humans to get to Mars?

We've teamed up with the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) to bring you a short video and two activities for children to get stuck in to the wonders of numbers in space at home or school.

Dr Sheila Kanani MBE,  Education, Outreach and Diversity Officer at the RAS, joins National Numeracy Ambassadors, the aerospace engineer  and current Miss UK Jessia Gagen and author, broadcaster and maths teacher Bobby Seagull to discuss all you ever wanted to know about numbers in space. Then have a go at the activities below.

Teachers: This video works perfectly as a lesson starter, followed by the activities.

Activity 1: How old would you be on Jupiter?

Activity 2: Time Traveller worksheet

Feeling good about Maths & Money with Mr MoneyJar 

Finance expert and podcaster Timi Merriman-Johnson, aka Mr MoneyJar, has created a set of resources to help children learn about savings, in a fun and imaginative way. It’s not about having lots of money, but about learning to use what you do have wisely – a subject dear to Timi’s heart.

Poetry slam with Harry Baker and Times Tables Rock Stars

Our master poet Harry visited Parbold Douglas Academy in Wigan to roll out his activity this year. What a day they had!

Watch the video, and download the resource pack for tips on how to create your own, teacher guidance, and certificates for participation!

Number Heroes Competition

Create a picture of you doing your dream job or hobby and tell us how it uses numbers. Let your imagination run wild to be in with a chance to win a fantastic prize for yourself and one of six incredible prize bundles worth £1000 each for your nursery, school or youth group. The winner will be chosen by the one and only Bobby Seagull. For ages up to 13.

The 2024 competition has now closed. Winners will be contacted on or before 25 June 2024, and runners-up will be contacted on or before 3 July 2024.

Shakespeare and numbers

As one of the most famous wordsmiths in history, you may be surprised to be reading about Shakespeare on National Numeracy Day! But numbers played a key part in Shakespeare's work, as well as his life.

Rob Eastaway, author of Maths for Mums and Dads , shares some facts about how Shakespeare used numbers.

Illustration of Shakespeare

Children: Join The Big Number Natter!

Talking points

Get children nattering about numbers in class or at home with these informal talking points. Sharing our thoughts can be the start of a positive changes in attitudes.
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Tips for talking about maths

Use these tips to get older children nattering about how they feel about numbers. Talking makes any subject less scary and they will quickly find out that others feel the same way that they do.
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For schools: Plan your session

Get started planning your Big Number Natter sessions with these notes for organisers. Then get stuck in to all the other resources.
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For schools: Your Number Natter Slides

Hold a 15-30 minute session using these slides, provided with presenter notes.
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Sign up to National Numeracy Day 

Sign up National Numeracy Day and help your school, organisation or community get number confident! You will receive free, fun materials and resources to use and share and join over 4,800 others Champions helping the nation get on with numbers.

More information for schools

Get stronger maths to help your children

 However you feel about maths, you’re not alone. The National Numeracy Challenge is a free and easy-to-use website you can use to improve your confidence with numbers, in your own time and at your own pace.

It’s ideal for brushing up, checking your level, or for catching up on learning you missed, and it’s all about the maths you need in daily life and at work – no algebra or trigonometry.

Image showing the Challenge on a computer monitor

#NationalNumeracyDay on social media

More from National Numeracy Day 

Get resources to help adults build their confidence with numbers get involved in the #BigNumberNatter or visit the National Numeracy Day homepage. 

Join the Big Number Natter

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