Number Hive Archives - Number Hive App

A Classical Approach to Mathematics Needs Better Tools

Written by Chris Hogbin on May 13, 2026. Posted in Learn & Develop.

There is a growing recognition within classical education that mathematics must be more than procedural competency and rote recall. Strong classical educators understand that the goal is not merely to produce students who can recite facts or execute algorithms, but students who can reason, discern structure, communicate clearly, and perceive the inherent order of mathematics itself. This is precisely where many modern mathematics resources fall short. Some programs pursue engagement while sacrificing rigor. Others pursue rigor while reducing mathematics to mechanical repetition. Many...

Recovering Mathematics in Classical Education

Written by Chris Hogbin on May 13, 2026. Posted in Learn & Develop, Uncategorized.

There is a growing resurgence of interest in classical education. In many ways, this is unsurprising. Parents and educators alike are sensing that something has been lost in modern schooling: depth, order, wisdom, attentiveness, and the formation of the mind itself. Classical education offers an attractive corrective. It reminds us that education is not merely about producing efficient workers or successful test-takers, but about cultivating thoughtful, articulate, virtuous human beings capable of perceiving truth and reasoning well. Yet within this resurgence, particularly in mathematics,...

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Early Numeracy Skills Predict Future Achievement

Written by Chris Hogbin on March 2, 2026. Posted in Learn & Develop, Uncategorized.

Why Strong Foundations in Core Number Operations Matter More Than We Realise When I first started teaching, I thought I understood early numeracy. I knew how to teach addition. I knew how to teach subtraction. I knew how to move students toward multiplication and division. I could spot who was “good at maths” and who was “struggling.” What I didn’t fully appreciate at the time was just how complex the development of early numeracy actually is — and how profoundly it predicts future achievement. The more I’ve learned over the years, the clearer this has become: Early maths...

Thinking, Big and Small: Why We Need Both in the Mathematics Classroom

Written by Chris Hogbin on May 12, 2025. Posted in Guest Blog, Learn & Develop.

By James, Creator of Sembl In order for us humans to learn, we need to think. That part’s obvious. But here’s the kicker: have you ever considered what kind of thinking is actually happening in your classroom? Is it expansive and open-ended? Or narrow and precise? Let’s take a look at both ends of the spectrum—and why the sweet spot is having both. The Familiar Question Here’s a maths problem you’ve likely seen before: A gardener plants 24 flowers into 6 equal rows. How many flowers are in each row? Classic, right? Students calculate that 24 ÷ 6 = 4. One correct...

‘Math’ is a doing word. Not a worksheet.

Written by Chris Hogbin on April 15, 2025. Posted in Learn & Develop.

Ask a student what comes to mind when they hear the word “math” and you’ll likely hear answers like “numbers,” “times tables,” “tests,” or “homework.” For some, the associations are even more loaded: “stress,” “boring,” “confusing,” or “hard.” But how often do you hear a student say maths is about doing, thinking, talking, moving, or even playing? In many classrooms, mathematics is still treated like a static subject — something you either get or don’t, something to sit and receive. A set of rules to memorise. A list of procedures to follow. A test to pass. But here’s the truth: mathematics...

Effective math practice, and how to encourage it in your class.

Written by Chris Hogbin on April 15, 2025. Posted in Learn & Develop.

In a traditional math classroom, students often work quietly through worksheets. They solve equations by memorization and repetition. While math is an essential part of the curriculum, this type of practice doesn’t always foster a deep understanding of the subject. Instead, it can lead to disengagement and frustration. The practice phase in particular, where students consolidate their skills, is crucial. If this phase isn’t engaging or meaningful, it can hinder learning. The question is: how can we make this phase more effective and enjoyable? The Disconnect: Why Math Feels Irrelevant A...

The magic of World Maths Day: And other great ways to build fun and show the of math to your students

Written by allanfletcher919@gmail.com on March 23, 2025. Posted in Learn & Develop.

Mathematics is everywhere—from the angles of a soccer kick to the strategy behind a winning chess move. Yet, for many students, it can feel like an abstract subject, disconnected from the real world. That’s why events like World Maths Day are so powerful. They create an opportunity to shake up the way we teach mathematics, making it more engaging, relevant, and exciting for students. If you’ve ever struggled to get students to buy into mathematics, World Maths Day is your chance to change the game—literally. It’s an opportunity to show students the ‘why’ behind mathematics, even if that...

The Motivation-Achievement connection: What educators need to know

Written by Chris Hogbin on January 28, 2025. Posted in Learn & Develop.

When it comes to education, one of the most persistent questions is this: what drives student success? Is it their innate motivation to learn, or does academic achievement spark a desire to keep trying? A new study published in the British Journal of Educational Psychology sheds light on this critical question, and the findings have profound implications for how we approach teaching and learning. The Research: Does motivation lead to academic success, or vice versa? The study investigated the relationship between two types of student motivation—autonomous motivation and controlled...

Spark curiosity, not fear. Reducing Mathematics Anxiety.

Written by Chris Hogbin on February 26, 2024. Posted in Learn & Develop.

Reducing the Impacts of Math(s) Anxiety! Mathematics anxiety is pervasive, affecting countless schoolchildren worldwide. It’s more than just a fear of numbers; it’s a debilitating cycle that stifles learning and potential. But fear not, for where there’s understanding, there’s hope. Let’s delve into the depths of mathematics anxiety, explore its origins, and unveil strategies to ignite curiosity and diminish fear. Understanding Math(s) Anxiety: Mathematics anxiety manifests in subtle ways, from self-deprecating remarks like “I’m not a math...

The power of game theory: Unleashing strategic thinking in the classroom

Written by allanfletcher919@gmail.com on June 12, 2023. Posted in Learn & Develop.

In the dynamic world we live in, strategic thinking has become a crucial skill for success. Understanding how to make optimal decisions, assess risks, and anticipate the actions of others is essential in various domains of life. One fascinating field that explores these concepts is game theory. In this article, we will delve into the importance of game theory and how Number Hive, as an innovative educational tool, can empower kids to develop their strategic thinking abilities while having fun. The Power of Game Theory Game theory is a branch of mathematics that studies how individuals...

Host your own Number Hive tournament in 4 easy steps

Written by allanfletcher919@gmail.com on May 12, 2023. Posted in Learn & Develop.

Create an Exciting Math Community: Host Thrilling Number Hive Tournaments for Engaged Young Mathematicians Looking to enhance your students’ arithmetic skills and foster a love for math in your school? Look no further than Number Hive, a dynamic math tool designed by an experienced math teacher. Through years of use, it has successfully developed students’ mathematical fluency and deepened their understanding of numbers, leading to remarkable results. As the popularity of Number Hive grows worldwide, so does the trend of organizing Number Hive class and school tournaments....

Number Hive’s printable version: Unlock blended learning in your class

Written by Chris Hogbin on March 8, 2023. Posted in Learn & Develop. 1 Comment

Are you looking for an exciting and engaging classroom activity that combines strategic thinking with multiplication skills? Look no further than Number Hive’s downloadable print version! In response to popular demand, we’ve created a set of 10 random hives that you can easily print and play in class. Whether you’re in a BTC (Build thinking) classroom or fostering collaborative learning, our printable game board is perfect for energizing your lessons. Let’s explore how to use the print version and discover how it can be seamlessly integrated into blended learning...

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