What is Numbershark?
Numbershark is a computer program to help anyone improve their understanding and use of numbers. The program teaches and reinforces numeracy using a wide variety of carefully designed games. There are over 600 topics to choose from.
- The topics address each of the number operations + – x ÷ plus fractions, decimals and simple percentages, in very gradual steps. A section of graded word problems is included.
- The topics are quick to access and clear examples are given on screen. Numbershark gives a fresh set of ‘sums’ each time a topic is selected.
- Recommended games are given for every topic.
- There is a fully graded course supporting the National Curriculum England, for numeracy KS1 and KS2.
- The wide variety of games and options give many ways to practise the same work and to promote both the understanding and the memorising of number facts, whilst maintaining interest.
- The games are excellent for use on an interactive whiteboard and children enjoy playing the games on the big screen. An on-screen keypad is provided with the program.
- Under Help in the program there are links to tutorials (as per below), as well as access to the pdf manual. This same information can be accessed on the ‘Using Numbershark‘ page of wordshark.co.uk’s website, with bite-size pdfs on Numbershark. Within the program, there is also on-screen help for every game as well as pop-up teaching notes.
View tutorials on Vimeo/YouTube:
For what ages is it suitable?
Numbershark is mostly used by students aged between 6 and 14. Some of the games are more suitable for younger children but many games are appropriate for any age.
Older students, with reasonable number skills use Numbershark to improve their mental maths – sometimes before exams. Variable speeds and other options meet all levels of skill.
The variety of games, concepts and topics make Numbershark suitable for use in primary school and also secondary school where students have gaps in understanding.
How will it help those with poor Number skills?
The program addresses many of the difficulties which lead students to dislike maths. These include poor short term memory, limited attention span and poor sequencing skills.
To help those with dyslexia and dyscalculia many of the games give a visual idea of what is happening when you add, subtract, multiply or divide. Numbers are shown as objects, digits, rods, or on an abacus, a number line, a number pad, a 100 square – to help basic understanding. Fractions and decimals are also shown visually.
Most games have no time limit (though a clock is running) so students have space to work out their number strategy and to build confidence. Variable speeds and other options help to match individual needs.
Are records of student activities kept?
Records are kept once students have been added to the system. Progress can be measured accurately. Records can be printed out.
Can specific work be set for students?
Once students are added to the system, you can choose the topics and games that they should use. This can also be done for groups of students.
What printouts are available with the topics?
Worksheets can be printed out for most topics, in different formats and layouts.
What is needed to run Numbershark 5?
Operating systems:
- Windows: 7 or 8 or 10
- Macs: OSX 10.7 to 10.12
Networks:
- Schools should buy a licence based on the required maximum number of students who will use the program at any one time. (concurrent users)
- Network server 2008R2, 2012, 2012R2 are supported
- The network version is not suitable for Mac networks.
‘Single User’ CDs or USBs:
- The CD or USB has to be in place for the program to run, but can be moved between/used on any compatible computer. ‘Single User’ CDs/USBs are not intended for use on networks, many of which will not accept this version.
Please note: Numbershark is currently unavailable for android devices, Chrome OS e.g. Chromebooks, or in ‘App’ format
