Sensory Supports - Colours & Quantity Apple Tree

This excellent numeracy resource is perfect for children who can count but are ready to take on the next mathematical steps, such as addition, subtraction and numbers linked to quantity. The tree is magnetic, and there are 18 apples (three sets of six apples, each in yellow, green, and red). Additionally, there are three dice, and for each die, there is a coloured die holder that matches the colour of the corresponding apple.

In open play, the children can hang the magnetic apples randomly on the apple tree and count them. They can count up to 18 or make apple patterns in 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s and 6s. Using the dice and coloured holders, they can throw the dice to receive an instruction to pick and place four red apples. Then, the second die indicates three green apples, and finally, using the third die, they pick up six yellow apples. Alternatively, they can play games in pairs, adding and subtracting the number of apples indicated by the dice.

Many other mathematical computations can be performed using this set, such as working out the missing number. To do this, they could start by placing a random number of apples onto the tree, eg, three red apples, then throw the dice, which gives 6. At this point, they need to determine how many more apples to add to the tree to make 6. Great fun providing endless opportunities to perfect their mathematical numeracy and fluency.