See all Family Maths Activity Packs

Books and TV

Books, TV and radio are a great way to keep children excited about numbers. Ask them about the maths in any story they read or TV programme they watch.

Books

For younger children (6-7):

  1. The Shopping Basket by John Burningham.
  2. 365 Penguins by Jean-Luc Fromental.
  3. We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen.
  4. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Gary Rubinstein - great for teaching kids that it's OK to make mistakes and that you can learn from them.

For older children (8-9):

  1. The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn and Hal Iggulden.
  2. The Daring Book for Girls by Andrew J Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz - Great activities that use maths like finding north, writing codes, making kites etc.
  3. Matilda by Roald Dahl.
  4. Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl - how many pheasants did they catch?

Radio

BBC Megamaths is a radio show about a team of detectives on a maths mission to solve mental maths problems.

TV and film

Whatever they're watching, there's opportunities to talk about maths. Ask them questions, such as how fast are the cars going in Top Gear, how many votes are being cast on Strictly Come Dancing or how many years ago did the people on Gory Games live?

For ideas, look at:

All external resources have been reviewed and recommended by our Parental Engagement Pedagogical team. (External links will open in a new tab).

CBeebies

A full list of CBeebies shows.

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Pinterest

More maths reading ideas on Pinterest.

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One Hundred Hungry Ants

One Hundred Hungry Ants

One hundred very hungry ants hurry to sample the delights of a picnic, but instead of marching single file, they divide into smaller rows--a lesson in division and visual introduction to math

Spaghetti and Meatballs for All

Spaghetti and Meatballs for All

Mr. and Mrs. Comfort have arranged tables and chairs to seat 32 people at their family reunion. But the guests have their own ideas for seating. Area and perimeter come alive as the family makes room for everyone.

How Big is a Million?

How Big is a Million?

Pipkin the smallest penguin is always asking questions - this picture book helps children understand the concept of big numbers.

One Thing

One Thing

Lola is back and counting. "A brilliant book to introduce the non-scary nature of counting and sums to very young children".

Amazing! magazine cover

Amazing! Magazine

This monthly magazine for children is fun and educational, covering maths and other subjects through articles, activities, puzzles, stories and more. Use code NatNum10 at the checkout on their website for 10% off a subscription.

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Bedtime Math logo

Bedtime Math

This free app offers daily activity ideas to help parents make maths a fun part of children's bedtime routine.

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Catch that Goat!

Catch that Goat!

A multicultural counting book from Barefoot Books, written and illustrated by Polly Alakija and based around a market day in Nigeria.

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The Twelve Days of Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas

An illustrated version of the traditional Christmas song, which explores counting and counting backwards. Published by Barefoot Books and illustrated by Rachel Griffin.

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Mama Panya's Pancakes

Mama Panya's Pancakes

Count in context with this village tale set in Kenya. From Barefoot Books, written by Mary and Rich Chamberlin, illustrated by Julia Cairns.

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The Planet of Puzzles book cover

The Planet of Puzzles

An exciting adventure story and mathematical mystery. Use your maths skills to choose how the plot unfolds. Great fun for parents and children to complete together.

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How Many Legs?

How Many Legs?

How many legs would there be if a polar bear came for tea? What if a squid rode in on a buffalo? Develop counting and multiplication skills with this humorous picture book.

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Here Come the Numbers

Here Come the Numbers

A fun rhyming book about numbers that introduces maths concepts to children in a visual way. The book also includes tips and information at the end to support parents and children in developing a passion for numbers.

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Drawing of Cuthbert the Croc

Cuthbert the Croc Goes On and On

An illustrated book that explores counting, addition and infinity through the story of Cuthbert the Croc. Includes tips for parents and tasks to try at the end of the story.

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