Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP)
Introducing Numero® into a Numeracy class, Maths class or JCSP focused class will make Numeracy more accessible and enjoyable, particularly for students who might struggle with traditional teaching methods. Numero® ensures that students experience success, develop key academic and interpersonal skills, and enjoy learning Maths. This approach supports the JCSP’s aims of creating a positive, supportive educational experience tailored to the needs of all learners.
Numero® aligns closely with the JCSP's core aims by fostering and environment where students can:
Experience Success and Build Positive Self-Image:
- Playing Numero® provides opportunities for students to succeed in a fun, low-pressure setting, boosting their confidence in their mathematical skills.
- The game's structure encourages all participants to achieve small, incremental victories, promoting a positive self-image and a sense of accomplishment.
Actively Participate in Learning:
- Numero® engages students in active, hands-on learning, helping them see Maths as enjoyable and applicable to real-life scenarios.
- Through dynamic game play, students develop problem-solving skills in an interactive and supportive group setting.
Enhance Literacy, Numeracy, and Communication Skills:
- Numero® focuses on mental arithmetic and strengthening key numeracy skills required in the JCSP framework.
- Students use mathematical language to explain their strategies, enhancing their communication and literacy skills.
Develop Group Work Skills:
- Numero® is inherently social, requiring students to cooperate, compete, and communicate effectively within a group.
By embedding Numero® into the JCSP framework, within your school, the game becomes more than a numeracy tool—it serves as a platform for achieving essential learning outcomes in a fun, engaging, and meaningful way.
Below are the links to the Statements from JCSP Profiling Statement that Numero® aligns with:
Cross Curricular Statements
Statement Code no 3 : Work with others and make a positive contribution to group activities
When first introducing Numero® to a class, it works best when students are paired into teams, requiring students to collaborate, share strategies, and contribute positively to achieve success. This fosters teamwork and mutual support during game play.
Statement Code no 18: Use the spoken word to accurately express opinions and experiences in a social context
During Numero®, students express their reasoning, explain their moves, and discuss strategies with others. This provides a natural context for articulating opinions and sharing experiences while interacting socially.
Statement Code no 66: Apply a range of skills necessary to participate effectively in an active learning environment
Numero® requires students to engage actively by using mathematical skills, critical thinking, and decision-making. It supports active participation and helps students practice managing time, focusing on tasks, and adapting strategies based on game play
Statement Code no 73: I can communicate my views, opinions and feelings
Numero® encourages students to express how they feel about strategies or outcomes, voice opinions on game play, and communicate their thought processes confidently to others
Basic Skills
Basic Skills no 3: Apply the knowledge and skills needed to carry out basic mathematical calculations
Numero® reinforces core mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, fractions, decimals, square roots, cube roots) in a practical, engaging way, enabling students to practice and improve their calculation skills in a fun and non-intimidating environment
Mathematics
MJC1 Representation
Numero® involves manipulating numbers to represent mathematical scenarios, encouraging students to explain their reasoning verbally, estimating to decide which cards to use or operations to perform and justifying their moves. Advanced players will learn to identify patterns in card combinations and relationships between operations as well as incorporating algebraic thinking when deciding which numbers are required to make certain plays work.
MJC2: Communication
Students communicate mathematical ideas and strategies effectively during Numero®. They explain their reasoning and articulate problem-solving approaches, reinforcing mathematical communication skills.
MJC3: Problem Solving
Numero® challenges students to think critically and solve problems by creating numerical combinations and making strategic decisions. It enhances their ability to approach mathematical challenges creatively and logically.
English
EJC2 I can communicate as a speaker
Students practice oral communication by explaining their moves, negotiating rules, and participating in discussions about Numero®. This helps develop confidence and clarity in spoken communication.
Reference: http://www.jcsp.ie/jcsp_statement/tree