A simple, empty, black wooden oval that feels fab, works inside and out* and makes maths make sense.
*Damp not dripping please!

• Builds the beginnings for future learning
• Scaffolds the learning for those needing a little extra support
• Practical and sensory for every learner (including interventions) and for those with particular or additional needs

• Early Years Settings
• Practical primary learning
• Learning at home
• Intervention groups
• One to one tutoring
• Learners with additional needs
• Learners with visual impairment
• SEND Support- especially Dyscalculia
• Special/ Specialist Schools
• Hospital Schools

• Encourages and embeds counting skills - wherever the children are
• Makes learning practical, visual and sensory
• Teaches the concept of zero- without them even noticing
• Makes a space specifically for subitising (up to 9)
• Visually and practically helps teach ‘part – part -whole’ (with lolly sticks)
• Builds the beginnings for base 10 learning

… and so much more

• Lolly sticks - makes part- part whole practical, visual and fun (use the oval sideways for the whole or if the number is greater than 9!)
• Lolly sticks- makes greater than, less than and equals make sense
• Two colours of 1cm cubes -makes adding in base 10 make sense
• Things less than 10cm -building the beginnings of standard measure
• Oranges, eggs and rugby balls- clarifies the concept of oval, circle, sphere, ovoid, 0 and o (You can print circles with skin of half an orange and ovals by pinching the orange skin as you print)
• Extra empty ovals- introduces addition and beginnings of base 10 learning
• Dienes- (they fit perfectly) Makes column addition makes sense
• Organic art materials - endless opportunities

• Oval
• Circle
• Take away
• Zero

• Be sure to use the word oval rather than circle
• Position the oval in the portrait orientation if using it as a counting frame
• Reinforce the word zero and have the child trace the zero anticlockwise with their finger as they say it.
• Always count the same items in the Empty Oval - acorns, cubes, grapes, gems, pebbles etc.
• Count things which are units of one (until they are ready for counting in tens and ones)
• Beware of counting money in the Empty Ovals (too many confusions - and too expensive!)

• Check that the children cannot put it over their heads
• Don’t leave it out in the rain
• Don’t let your puppy play with it!