Roman Numerals and Negative Numbers
In Year 4, children meet two number ideas that sit just outside the everyday counting they already know. They learn to read Roman numerals from I to C, the letters used on clock faces, book chapters and old buildings, and they learn to count backwards past zero into negative numbers, the kind they see on a cold weather forecast. Both topics ask a child to read numbers in a new form and to keep counting in order even when the numbers feel unfamiliar.
Practise Roman Numerals and Negative Numbers
Have a guess, even if you're not sure. Get one wrong and we'll show you why, so every miss is a chance to learn.
Timed practice
The same practice, just with a gentle clock. Pick a length and see how many you can answer.
The quizzes work in small, steady steps. Each question shows one clear task, such as reading a Roman numeral or carrying on a count that drops below zero, and your child picks an answer. If they choose a wrong one, a gentle hint points them towards the idea behind the question rather than just giving the answer, so they can think again and try once more. There is nothing to set up and no pressure, just one short question at a time.
BrightWren is completely free, with no account and no sign-up. It works in any web browser, so your child can practise on a phone, a tablet or a computer, whichever is to hand. Nothing is downloaded and nothing is saved about your child.
See an example
A real question from this topic. Have a go, then reveal the answer.
What is in this topic
- Read Roman numerals from I to C, the values one to one hundred
- Match Roman numerals to ordinary numbers and back again
- Count backwards through zero into negative numbers
- Carry on a count that drops below zero and find the next number