Libraries have a well established reputation for supporting literacy. Through the Count Me In initiative, Leeds Library and Information Service is working in partnership with Yorkshire Bank to support numeracy and financial literacy for families.
The aim of Count Me In is to develop mathematical ideas and concepts for children and young people. We also want to develop the confidence of parents and carers so that they can assist children in the use of mathematical concepts. As children get older, the mathematical concepts in Count Me In include aspects of financial literacy.
There are three strands to this work, with different resources to support each phase of the initiative. The different strands are aimed at different age groups.
Count Me In 1, 2, 3 designed for pre-school children. Includes picture books, toys and activities that encourage:
- listening, looking and learning about colour and sizes
- colour recognition, counting and co-ordination
- sequencing, number recognition, matching size and height comparison.
Instructions for Count Me In 1,2,3 activities are available to download from this page. The instructions are written in English and one other language.
Count Me In Primary designed for primary school children. Includes storybooks, games and props that:
- encourage children to work with money
- explore simple fractions and measure time
- support work with shapes and measure length
Instructions for Count Me In Primary activities are available to download from this page. They are available in English and six other languages.
Count Me In Web designed for secondary school children. An online game where players have to:
- earn pocket money and choose when and where to save or spend it
- understand the concept of budgeting
- realise that financial decisions have an impact on their success within the game
The link to the Count Me In Web game is to the right of this page.
All of these resources are available in libraries across Leeds. They can be used in the library with the support of library staff, or used at home by parents and carers.