As I reflect on the five stages of learning numeracy, I am reminded of the journey my

students embarked on as they developed their mathematical skills and understanding.

Each stage presented unique challenges and opportunities for growth, and witnessing
their progress was both rewarding and inspiring.

The first stage, the Concrete Stage, was characterized by hands-on experiences and
manipulatives. During this stage, my students engaged with physical objects and
materials to develop a concrete understanding of mathematical concepts. They counted
objects, grouped them, and explored basic operations through real-world examples.
Watching their faces light up as they grasped the foundational ideas of numbers and
quantities was truly fulfilling.

Next came the Representational Stage, where students began to use visual
representations to represent mathematical ideas. They moved beyond physical objects
and started using drawings, charts, and diagrams to represent numerical relationships. It
was a joy to see them transition from concrete manipulations to creating visual models
that helped them solve problems and communicate their thinking more effectively. Their
ability to transfer their understanding from concrete experiences to visual
representations demonstrated significant growth.

The third stage, the Abstract Stage, marked a pivotal moment in my students' numeracy
development. At this stage, they began to work with symbolic representations, such as
numbers, equations, and formulas. They could now perform operations mentally and
solve mathematical problems using abstract symbols. Witnessing their progress from
concrete materials to abstract thinking was truly remarkable. It was during this stage
that they truly began to internalize mathematical concepts and apply them in various
contexts.

The fourth stage, the Application Stage, allowed my students to extend their
mathematical understanding to real-world situations. They could now apply their
knowledge and skills to solve practical problems and make connections between
mathematics and everyday life. Watching them tackle complex word problems, analyze
data, and make informed decisions using their numeracy skills was a testament to their
growth and the relevance of mathematics in their lives.

Finally, the fifth stage, the Communication Stage, emphasized the importance of verbal
and written communication in mathematical reasoning. Students learned to articulate
their thinking, justify their solutions, and engage in mathematical discourse with their
peers. Their ability to explain their strategies and communicate their mathematical ideas
demonstrated a deep level of understanding and mastery of numeracy.
Reflecting on the five stages of learning numeracy, I am reminded of the transformative
journey my students undertook. From concrete experiences to abstract thinking, from
individual manipulations to collaborative problem-solving, they progressed through
each stage, building a strong foundation in numeracy. Witnessing their growth and
development was a constant reminder of the importance of fostering a supportive and
engaging learning environment that allows students to explore, make connections, and
develop a love for mathematics. Moving forward, I am inspired to continue refining my
teaching approaches and providing opportunities for my students to thrive in their
numeracy learning.