Help with recognising 8 and 9 in Reception

[Paulacarl]

My little boy is in Reception and struggling a little with his number recognition. He seems to find 8 and 9 particularly tricky. School are suggesting additional activities for us to do at home (number bingo, lotto, numicon etc) and loaning resources. I'm just wondering though whether anyone else's child has struggled similarly, and what you've found to be most helpful for them. I really don't want him to get left behind in numeracy at this early stage. Thanks

Most of it is just repetition point out 8 and 9 when you see them everywhere buses, shops etc

If you really want to you can use things like this the story of 8 and 9 from here www.topmarks.co.uk/interactive.aspx?cat=1

That's unusual, as it is 6 and 9 that normally gets confused! And how is he with b d p and q? They are also favourites for confusion.

Might he need his eyes testing, and those numbers DO look too similar to him?

But, he is only Reception, so please don't fret about it.

When I was a TA, children found writing 8 particularly difficult; some just did two circles, one above the other. I had a trick that they LOVED:

"starting with the pencil at the top, pretend it is a train on its track; it goes round to the left, and down, then across the crossing in the middle, round the bottom, and back across the crossing, and back up to the 'station'!"

Have fun!

When my dd struggled with 6 and 9, we referred to 9 as having a big head and 6 as having a big tummy and she remembered the little saying and that is how she recognised the two until it became automatic. Perhaps 'Snowman 8' and 'Big-Head 9' might catch his attention or appeal to his sense of humour?

Paulacarl:

agree with gently & full circle - when DD1 struggled with 6 & 9 - I encouraged her to make drawings & make up a story which helped her to remember.

I set my iphone password as 6969 and ds1 had to get them right to have a go on the games on there. Worked a treat!