Blog
23 Oct 2026
By Rima Bist, Training Manager
Numbers are all around us, not only in the big cities but in the countryside too.
Children often use numbers to make sense of their surroundings. Read on to find out how one three-year-old has found a curious – and tasty – way to make sense of her world!
Moving to the countryside in my mid-30s has invited plenty of views. Some people questioned whether leaving London was an exciting life choice or a questionable career move.
Others promised fresh air, slower days and better walks. But what I did not expect was that one of the biggest joys would be watching my eldest, S, discover numeracy in the wild.
Our weekend walks have become mini adventures in mathematical thinking. S reads maps, follows symbols, checks directions and sometimes chooses a completely different route because she has spotted a beautiful flower.
It may not be the quickest way home, but I am reflecting that it is brilliant practice in spatial awareness, decision-making and reading information in context.
A pile of logs becomes a chance to count, compare shapes and spot patterns. A bridge turns into a geometry lesson when she realises one long rectangle is made from lots of smaller rectangles.
Comparing her height with her “Baba” (dad) becomes an experiment in measurement. Her preferred method is simply to stand on a log and declare victory. Technically, she has manipulated the variables, so who am I to dispute that?!
A long walk obviously means refuelling and cake is unanimously the best choice! We are a family that needs very little excuse to cook.
So, in the kitchen, S suddenly has purpose. She counts the eggs, weighs the flour and measures the butter, while eating some (for the sake of science!).
We discuss halves, doubles, more, less and equal shares. S’s working theory is that the greater the number of sprinkles, the better the cupcake. I have yet to find a convincing counter argument.
After nearly 15 years of working in education, I have been conditioned to think in terms of learning environment and lesson plans.
But parenting has reminded me that powerful learning does not always need a perfectly curated environment. Sometimes a muddy path, a curious child and an adult willing to follow the conversation is enough.
Parenting has also helped evolve my perception of numeracy in everyday life. Numbers help children make sense of the world and build their confidence.
We are always navigating our day using numbers in some form or another and learning can happen anywhere, but if it ends with cake, then the impact is sweeter!
