MATHS in the Playground

Take practical numeracy outdoors with MATHS in the Playground, a outdoor maths activity set designed to make counting, number work, shape and mathematical games more active and engaging.

Children do not have to remain at a desk to explore mathematical ideas. MATHS in the Playground brings together large-format and reusable resources that allow pupils to walk along a number line, work with a 100 square, record ideas and take part in games with their classmates.

The pack is suitable for children aged four years and over and can be used across outdoor lessons, playground interventions, maths activity days and group learning. It gives teachers several ways to present familiar concepts through movement, discussion and hands-on participation.

Because the set contains different formats, activities can be adapted to the needs of the group. One resource might support whole-class demonstration, while another can be used for a smaller collaborative challenge. Teachers remain able to connect each activity with their own lesson objectives and curriculum planning.

What makes MATHS in the Playground special?

This pack transforms mathematical language into something children can see and interact with. A giant walk-on number line gives pupils a physical way to explore sequence and movement between numbers, while a large 100 square can support counting, pattern spotting and number relationships.

The dry-erase grid board and chalkboard roll create space for recording strategies, drawing shapes or setting challenges. Games and mats introduce a playful structure that can encourage participation from children who respond well to active learning.

Learning maths through movement

Walking, stepping and positioning themselves on a large resource can help children connect number language with action. A teacher might ask pupils to move forwards or backwards, identify a particular number or demonstrate a simple calculation by changing position.

These activities support gross motor movement alongside mathematical thinking. They also allow teachers to observe how children approach a problem and invite them to explain their reasoning to the group.

Counting, calculation and number relationships

The large 100 square and walk-on number line can be used to explore counting, ordering, addition, subtraction and multiplication patterns at a level selected by the teacher. Pupils can identify one more or one less, compare positions and notice repeated sequences.

The pack also creates opportunities to introduce mathematical vocabulary naturally. Words such as before, after, between, greater, fewer, forward and backward can be demonstrated through practical activity instead of discussed only in the abstract.

Shape, grids and problem-solving

The A2+ dry-erase grid board provides a reusable surface for teacher-led examples and pupil responses. It can support work involving position, patterns, coordinates or shape according to the learning stage of the group. The chalkboard roll provides another flexible area for recording ideas and setting up outdoor tasks.

By combining resources, teachers can create trails or stations around the playground. Pupils might solve a problem at one point before moving to the next, helping maintain engagement while encouraging them to apply what they have learned.

Social and communication skills

Group maths games invite children to listen, take turns and explain their thinking. The snakes and ladders game and Playing with Maths mat can support collaborative learning in which pupils discuss possible answers and learn from one another's approaches.

These shared activities can make mathematical talk feel more natural. Teachers can ask open questions and encourage pupils to describe how they reached a result without presenting the activity as a formal written test.

Key features

• Outdoor maths activity set
• Includes large-format resources for active participation
• Supports counting, sequencing, calculation, shape and mathematical language
• Encourages learning through movement and group play
• Suitable for playground lessons and outdoor maths activities
• Includes reusable dry-erase and chalkboard surfaces
• Recommended for children aged four years and over

What's included?

• One large 100 square
• One giant walk-on number line
• One A2+ dry-erase grid board
• One chalkboard on a roll
• One snakes and ladders game
• One Playing with Maths mat

Why choose MATHS in the Playground?

This classroom resource gives teachers practical ways to vary maths provision and make better use of outdoor space. Its combination of movement, games and recording surfaces supports different lesson styles while keeping the focus on meaningful mathematical learning.

Specifications

• Product name: MATHS in the Playground
• Brand: Sensory Education
• Product code: EDPLAYM/7
• Contents: Large 100 square, giant walk-on number line, A2+ dry-erase grid board, chalkboard roll, snakes and ladders game and Playing with Maths mat
• Indoor/Outdoor: Designed for outdoor and playground learning; individual resources may also be used in suitable indoor spaces
• Learning focus: Counting, number recognition, addition, subtraction, multiplication, shape, mathematical vocabulary and problem-solving
• Recommended age: 4 years and over
• Suitable settings: Schools, classrooms and outdoor learning environments