The Numtums

The Numtums is an engaging and energetic children's show that first launched on CBEEBIES in 2014. It's a vibrant and dynamic educational series that seamlessly integrates learning into its narrative, making it a hit with children and parents alike. The show centres around sensational ten characters, all of whom are furry, friendly creatures known as Numtums. These characters - Humpty Do, Billy, Larry, Little Sandy, Stretchy, Flinders, Sparky, Bendy Go, Gladdy, and Hobart – are each tagged with a number from one to ten, allowing youngsters to differentiate between them and identify the numbers they represent.

The unique feature of the Numtums show is its ability to merge education with entertainment, aiming to make learning fun and intuitive for young children. Creating a good base for numeracy in the early years, the show focuses on the simplest mathematical concepts, teaching counting through its number-based characters as well as through games, songs, and playful adventures.

Each episode typically runs for about ten minutes, perfect for the short attention spans of the target age group ranging from two to five years old. During this duration, the Numtums take viewers on an exciting journey. They live out their fun-filled lives in the picturesque land of Gumnut Gorge, surrounded by the Australian panorama, infusing an element of geographical awareness. They embark on thrilling escapades, solve curious puzzles, sing catchy tracks, and play numerous games, all of which bolster a variety of skills in the young viewers, such as observational abilities, cognitive skills, and problem-solving techniques.

The show also sights the importance of teamwork and camaraderie as the Numtums often work together to win games, solve mysteries, and overcome obstacles. Their distinct personalities and unique roles in group dynamics well reflect the diversity in real-life society, making the characters relatable to a young audience.

The show's animation style deserves special mention. The cute, lively, and colourful animation is visually appealing to young children, keeping their interest piqued. The well-designed characters with just the right amount of quirk ensure the show stands out amidst the plethora of children's series. The consistent use of bright and vibrant colours throughout the episodes provides a visually stimulating experience for children while subtly drawing attention to particular points essential for learning, helping in making the teaching more effective.

Musical segments interjected into the storyline not only retain the viewers' interest but also considerably facilitate learning. Catchy tunes with repetitive lyrics involving the core learning components offer an easy and fun way to remember the basics of numbers and counting. And, the children will undoubtedly find themselves humming along the tunes even when they’re not watching the show.

What sets The Numtums apart from other numeracy-based children's shows is its focus on representing numbers in various new and exciting ways instead of mere counting exercises. It emphasises the real-life use of numbers and the importance of understanding their meaning rather than rote memorisation of a sequence.

Entertainment and fun are at the heart of every Numtums episode, making early learning a seamless and enjoyable experience for the youngest viewers. The captivating narrative persists to hold their attention while the underlying educational aspects encourage the children to engage with numbers and develop an affinity with maths early in their lives. Simultaneously, the visual appeal, attention-grabbing puzzles and games, and catchy music all come together to create an exciting, enjoyable, and stimulating experience for the young viewers.

Overall, The Numtums presents a unique combination of entertainment and education, making it an excellent pick for parents looking to kickstart their toddlers' or pre-schoolers' learning journey in a fun, engaging, and accessible way.