Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven eight nine....

Are you afraid of numbers...even a teeny weeny bit? How many of us adults would be put on the spot if we were asked the apr rate on our credit card, the interest rate on our mortgage or bank loans, or even the change from the supermarket checkout?

Our previous post discussed recent findings in relation to our national standings in literacy and numeracy. So concerned were the government that they launched the national strategy for literacy and numeracy.

Numbers are all around us. They pervade our daily existence. We use them to tell the time, count money, put petrol in the car, measure our clothes, see how much weight we've lost/gained, set the time on the microwave...

But it is probably true to say that many of us use numbers without really understanding their intrinsic meaning. Do we really understand the "oneness" of one? Do we actually get minus numbers- apart from when they form part of a bank or credit statement and are written in red?

As part of the national strategy there is a drive to increase awareness of numeracy not just in the maths class but across all school subjects and indeed across all areas in life.

The internet is invaluable in raising awareness of number and numeracy. It also allows us to impart knowledge with a huge element of fun and enjoyment. Check out these great websites below with the younger members of your family. Then when you're finished work out how good you yourself are with numbers. Hopefully you'll be pleasantly surprised!

http://www.mathplayground.com/games.html

http://www.mathplayground.com/games2.html

http://www.mathsisfun.com/new.html

http://www.coolmath4kids.com/ 

And this is where the kids get to see just how good the older folks are with the numbers!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9701000/9701303.stm