Learning by numbers is a whole lot easier at Pinewood Infant School in Farnborough, thanks to Recognition Express.

The company has printed t-shirts for the reception class, each sporting a different number from one to 20. The idea is that teachers can get pupils to play number

games, like lining up all the children wearing even numbers, and getting all the odd numbers to form a team. 

The idea came about because the school ended up with a job lot of green and pink t-shirts, and wondered what to do with them.

Reception teacher at the school in Pinewood Park, Lynn Tribe, said: “Using the t-shirts within meaningful and physical experiences e.g. hanging out the washing and ordering their friends into a line will provide the children with memorable and fun ways of learning number concepts.”

The school called on Recognition Express to do the printing. The company, based in Alton, had already supplied Pinewood with signs for the playground, CCTV system and main entrance at its new building.

Head teacher Sue Harris added: “Recognition Express can be relied upon to produce what has been requested. They enhanced the initial idea without losing the concept.”

Adrian Simpson, owner of Recognition Express Alton, loved the idea. “Most schools want us to produce badges, mugs and uniforms. Putting numbers on t-shirts was novel – a simple idea that was easy to execute, and makes maths a lot more interesting than it was in my day.

“We can put anything on a t-shirt these days. Small children love dressing up, so it’s a great way to keep them occupied and it fits with the active learning basis of the curriculum for Early Years. We could be doing the alphabet on t-shirts next.”

Adrian has been running Recognition Express in Alton since 2006. The company specialises in badge manufacture, signs, business gifts, plaques, awards and promotional products.