If you’ve spent any time in our house, you’ll know that Numberblocks has become a bit of a staple. The catchy music, the colourful blocks, and the way it makes numbers seem like actual friends – it’s all part of our home education journey. But beyond the songs and the clever animation, there’s something special about Numberblocks, especially for kids who struggle with maths.
For our daughter, who faces challenges with dyscalculia, the usual way of teaching maths just didn’t click. Worksheets, flashcards – they all seemed too abstract. I was getting frustrated trying to teach even the most basic concepts to her, as I loved mental arithmetic as a child, but for some reason nothing was sticking.
Thankfully, we discovered Numberblocks (covid was wild!), and it’s been an absolute game-changer. The visual, engaging way it introduces numbers has been brilliant for her, and honestly, I’ve found myself getting into it too (there are worse things to have stuck in your head than the Numberblocks theme song, right… right?!) – We also have the best part of £800+ worth of Numberblocks merch and the wife even crocheted my daughter a 1-10 blanket.
- NUMBERBLOCKS AS SEEN ON TV: Five is a real star and the lead singer in the band. Count on this snuggly plush toy to get the counting party started with lots of singing, counting and number fun in Numberland.
- SOFT LIGHT-UP HAND: Press the star on her High Five Hand and count along with Five as each of her fingers lights up – 1 glows red, 2 is orange, 3 is yellow, 4 glows green, and 5 is blue – just like her Numberblocks Friends.
Numberblocks isn’t just fun – it’s incredibly effective. From basic addition and subtraction to time-telling and even multiplication, division and shapes, it covers so much ground, all while making maths approachable for kids, especially those who need a different approach like visual learners or children with dyscalculia. So, let’s chat about how Numberblocks has transformed the way we do maths at home. If you’re looking for more tips, check out our post on Home Education Tips & Resources for Children with ASD & ADHD for more support on creating a neurodiverse-friendly learning environment.
You can watch Numberblocks on BBC iPlayer and easily make it a part of your child’s learning routine.
Table of Contents
Visual Learning Made Fun: The Magic of Numberblocks
The beauty of Numberblocks is that it turns numbers into characters you can actually relate to. You’ve got One, who’s small but mighty, all the way to Ten and beyond, and the show does such a great job of making numbers come alive. Each episode brings new maths concepts into the story, showing how numbers interact, combine, and break apart.
A Quote from the Show:
In one episode, Six proudly says, “I’m two lots of three! Or three lots of two!”
This is multiplication made simple, and for kids like mine who need to see how numbers physically group and regroup, this visual learning approach is a total win. Suddenly, maths isn’t just numbers on a page – it’s characters working together to solve problems.
Breaking Down Complex Concepts: From Addition to Multiplication
One of the best things about Numberblocks is how it introduces maths step by step. The early episodes cover the basics, like counting and simple addition, before moving into subtraction, multiplication, and division, but it’s all done in such a visual and engaging way that kids don’t even realise they’re learning something tricky.
Basic Addition and Subtraction
In one of the early episodes, One and Two come together to make Three. The show literally shows the blocks joining together to demonstrate addition, which is amazing for kids who need that concrete visual. My daughter found it much easier to understand addition when she could see it happening rather than just being told, “One plus two equals three.”
Quote Example: “One plus two equals three!”
It sounds so simple, but that little visual makes all the difference. For children with dyscalculia, abstract concepts like addition can feel confusing, but when they see the blocks physically coming together, it just clicks.
Multiplication Made Easy
As the series goes on, multiplication comes into play, and it’s presented in a way that’s easy to grasp. Instead of memorising times tables, children can see blocks group together to show how multiplication works.
Example Episode: When Four says, “I’m two lots of two!”, it’s a perfect visual of how numbers multiply, and it really helps kids visualise what’s going on.
Tackling Dyscalculia: Why Visual Learning Works
For children with dyscalculia, numbers can often feel like a mystery. They’re abstract, disconnected, and honestly, intimidating. But Numberblocks has this incredible way of turning numbers into something tangible. The characters are numbers themselves, and the way they interact with each other makes maths feel less like a puzzle and more like a fun game.
Time-Telling with Numberblocks
Even concepts like telling time are made easy with Numberblocks. In one episode, Twelve says, “I’m twelve – a whole clock face of numbers!”
It’s such a clever way to introduce time-telling, and for kids who might struggle with numbers, it takes a complicated concept and turns it into something much easier to grasp. Seeing the numbers as part of a clock face makes telling time seem less daunting and more familiar.
Numberblocks and Pop Culture: Maths Meets Fun
One thing I love about Numberblocks is that it throws in little references to popular culture that keep both the kids and the grown-ups entertained. For more inspirational quotes related to creativity and parenting, you can read 20 Inspirational Walt Disney Quotes for Dads. Whether it’s nods to spy films or subtle parodies, it’s always done in a way that blends fun with learning, and it helps keep us adults engaged too.
Examples of Pop Culture References
- “The Ten Vault”: This episode is a nod to spy and heist films, particularly the likes of Mission Impossible and other classic caper films. In this episode, Numberblocks must unlock different parts of a vault, each using their unique numerical abilities. It’s a fun reference to popular culture while introducing concepts like place value and number recognition.
- “Block Star”: Eleven takes on a heroic role and dons a helmet reminiscent of a space pilot’s – very much a nod to Star Wars. The episode’s intergalactic theme makes maths feel like an adventure and keeps kids engaged while they learn. “Use the FOURS”.
- “The Terrible Twos”: This episode features a cheeky nod to classic superhero (or supervillain) tropes. The Terrible Twos are mischievous twins who cause chaos by splitting into pairs and doubling up. Their antics echo the dynamic of famous villain duos, creating a fun connection to pop culture while teaching children about doubling and splitting.
- “Zero”: The character Zero is introduced with a nod to space exploration and the Space Odyssey genre. In the episode, the setting feels a lot like the vast emptiness of space, and Zero’s journey mimics that of explorers venturing into the unknown. This subtle reference adds depth to a lesson about the significance of zero in maths.
- “Octoblock to the Rescue”: Octoblock is a superhero-themed character, complete with a catchphrase, “Octoblock, to the rescue!” This is a clear nod to classic superhero culture, giving children a fun and relatable introduction to groups of eight.
These pop culture references keep things fresh and entertaining, making the learning experience even more enjoyable for both kids and parents.
Numberblocks and Neurodiversity: Supporting Different Learning Styles
Numberblocks has proven to be incredibly beneficial for children with a range of neurodiverse needs, not just those with dyscalculia. For a personal perspective on managing ADHD, take a look at my journey in Late-Diagnosed Adult ADHD: A Personal Journey for ADHD Awareness Month. Its engaging and visually stimulating approach helps children who learn differently, including those with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent traits.
Visual and Auditory Learning
Numberblocks caters to multiple learning styles, making it particularly effective for children who benefit from both visual and auditory input. The bright colours, clear numerical visuals, and catchy songs provide a multi-sensory experience that makes abstract maths concepts easier to understand. For children with ADHD, the engaging format holds their attention longer than traditional methods, helping them stay focused on the learning material.
Predictable Structure and Routine
The structured nature of Numberblocks also supports children who thrive on routine, which is often true for those on the autism spectrum. Each episode follows a predictable pattern, where the Numberblocks face a problem and solve it using numbers. This predictability can be comforting and allows children to anticipate what will happen next, reducing anxiety and encouraging them to engage with the content.
Building Confidence Through Play
Maths anxiety can be a significant barrier for neurodiverse children, but Numberblocks helps to break down that barrier by presenting maths as play. The playful interactions between characters make numbers less intimidating and more approachable. Children who may feel overwhelmed by traditional maths lessons can build their confidence through the friendly, relatable characters, seeing numbers as allies rather than obstacles.
Encouraging Social Learning
Numberblocks also promotes social learning, as it often involves teamwork between the characters to solve problems. For children with social communication challenges, seeing how the Numberblocks work together provides a gentle introduction to collaboration and the idea of problem-solving as a group. This can be especially helpful for children on the autism spectrum, who may find it challenging to understand group dynamics.
Making Numberblocks Part of Our Home Education Journey
Numberblocks isn’t just a fun show we watch – it’s become a core part of how we do maths in our home education routine. For my daughter, who struggles with dyscalculia, the visual approach has been a lifesaver. We use it in so many ways to make maths engaging and accessible.
Here’s what we do:
- Numberblock Play Sets: Using physical Numberblock toys, we recreate scenes from the show and practise sums, making maths hands-on and interactive.
- Interactive Worksheets: After watching an episode, we dive into worksheets that feature the Numberblocks, helping reinforce what we’ve just learned. Twinkl has a great selection of Numberblock themed printables.
- Follow-Along Episodes: We often watch episodes with counters (or numberblobs) in hand, following along as the blocks combine or separate, which helps bring the maths concepts into the real world.
Further Resources
- Numberblocks on BBC iPlayer: Watch all the episodes of Numberblocks to help make maths a fun part of your child’s learning routine & play the games available.
- Numberjacks on YouTube and CBeebies: Another great show that uses animated characters to teach basic arithmetic and problem-solving in a fun and engaging way.
- Peg + Cat on PBS Kids: Follow Peg and her cat as they solve everyday maths problems. This show is great for introducing counting, shapes, and basic arithmetic.
- Cyberchase on PBS Kids: An adventure-based series that helps kids learn maths through fun, problem-solving missions.
- Team Umizoomi on Nick Jr.: Join tiny superheroes as they use “mighty maths powers” to solve problems, perfect for young children needing an engaging introduction to counting, patterns, and measurements.
If you’re looking for more fun and engaging resources for your kids, check out my review of We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie. All our kids love playing it and it’s mostly child friendly!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Numberblocks has been a complete game-changer for us. It turns maths into something fun, visual, and most importantly, understandable. For kids who need more than just numbers on a page, Numberblocks offers a world where numbers are friends and maths becomes an adventure.
For neurodiverse children, the combination of visual storytelling, predictable structure, and engaging characters makes maths accessible in a way that traditional methods often fail to do. Whether it’s keeping a child with ADHD engaged, helping a child on the autism spectrum feel comfortable with routine, or giving a child with dyscalculia the visual tools they need, Numberblocks is a powerful resource for making maths fun and inclusive.
If you’re looking for a way to make maths fun and accessible, give Numberblocks a try. You might find your kids falling in love with numbers – and if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably find yourself singing along before you know it (or is it the echolalia? – who knows anymore).
