The schoolzone evaluation

Number Bunnies is an easy to use maths program aimed at Foundation/Key Stage 1 children. It focuses on developing children's number recognition, counting and sequencing skills using numbers up to 50.

There are 3 activities a) counting b) symbol matching and c) number matching. These activities can be done in a variety of ways as pre-set by the teacher and can be done with numbers counting up or counting down within the number range set.

The software is very suitable for use on an interactive whiteboard and makes an interesting interactive starter or plenary to numeracy lessons, or even as an enjoyable but useful activity for any other spare minutes in the day! It could also be used with individuals but is more relevant as a class or small group activity.

Any range of 10 numbers can be used at a time eg 9-18, 34-43 etc making it suitable for all abilities. The teacher can pre-set the range of numbers that can be used for each activity, making it easy to differentiate for individuals or groups of children.

The opening screen is very child friendly, colourful and looks interesting with 'Mr and Mrs Charlie' there to greet the children (they keep saying Hello!) and a buzzing bee flying around the activity choices in anticipation.

Within the activities, tasks can only be completed correctly. Each round can only be completed by following the correct number sequence, reinforcing number patterns. The fact that each door will give a knock or a ring even if incorrectly chosen adds to the anticipation of 'have I got it right, will the door open?' the reward for the correct answer is an opening door and a bunny appearance!

Each of the activities has several options and these are easily changed to select the numbers, orders and other features of each task. For example, in activity 'a' the following things can be changed: the number sequence, the number of rounds of that activity and the ability to have the numbered doors presented in correct sequence or in random order.

Overall this is a lovely child friendly (and teacher friendly too!) piece of software with fun and relevant activities presented in an easy to use format.

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