Making Numbers Make Sense with Karen Wilding

This is why we have embraced the Karen Wilding approach to teaching numbers. Her method focuses on helping young learners build a deep understanding of how numbers work, rather than simply following rules and procedures. It’s a way of learning that is intuitive, practical, and – most importantly – fun.

At the heart of this approach is real-world understanding. Children don’t just learn that 5 + 3 = 8; they explore what that actually means through hands-on activities, stories, and real-life examples. They see numbers in action, whether it’s through counting objects, recognising patterns, or making connections between different concepts.

Another key element is subitising – the ability to recognise the number of objects in a group without counting them one by one. This skill, often developed through games and playful exercises, helps children build fluency with numbers and lays the groundwork for more complex mathematical thinking.

By using Karen Wilding’s techniques, we’re not just teaching maths; we’re fostering a love for it. Children feel empowered to explore, ask questions, and develop a natural curiosity about numbers. And with that confidence, they are far more likely to succeed—not just in the classroom, but in life.

At Pembroke, we want our pupils to see maths not as something to be feared, but as something to be understood, enjoyed, and mastered. The Karen Wilding approach helps us do just that.