Learning Numeracy

Looking for maths gifts that will be used long after the wrapping paper is gone? This numeracy range gathers wooden abacuses, counting sticks, number rods and calculation boxes for children aged 3+ through to the first years of primary school.

Counting and first numbers from ages 3+

The number counting board with spinning gears, the arithmetic box with counting sticks and number tiles, and the 40-piece set of magnetic numbers and maths symbols suit children who are starting to count objects aloud. Grouping the sticks into bundles of ten is a very concrete first step towards tens and units: bundles in the hand first, written numbers later, the order followed by Montessori education toys.

Abacuses and rods for adding and taking away

Most abacuses here start at ages 4+: a traditional soroban, a horizontal abacus for addition and subtraction and a large 100-bead frame in blue, alongside a compact red and blue counting abacus. The large calculation rods and the 100-piece rainbow rods set show quantities as lengths, so your child can check that 3 and 4 make 7 by laying two rods end to end beside a longer one.

A toy for maths practice at ages 6+

Older children who already add and subtract get the colourful multiplication board, the calculation dice set, the quiz box, the counting tiles box and the revolving calculation roller. Each gives them a few minutes of practice that feels like a game rather than a worksheet.

Not sure which to choose? Watch what your child already does. Counting out loud on every walk points to the arithmetic box or an abacus; adding small numbers points to the rods; chanting tables in the car points to the multiplication board.