Counting Adventure Start

Lesson Overview

Year Level: 2
Duration: 60 minutes
Class size: 21 students
Unit: Numbers and Statistics Adventure (Lesson 1 of 30)
Lesson Title: Introduction to Numbers: Counting Fun
Learning Area: Mathematics
Focus: Counting and recognising numbers 1-20 through interactive and engaging activities using "TeachThis Counting Cards"

Australian Curriculum Alignment

Content Descriptions Addressed

AC9M2N01: Recognise, represent and order numbers to at least 100 using physical and virtual materials, numerals and number lines.
AC9MFN01 (Foundation elaboration for year 2): Name, represent and order numbers including zero to at least 20 using physical and virtual materials and numerals.
AC9MFN03: Quantify and compare collections to at least 20 using counting and explain or demonstrate reasoning.

Achievement Standards Targets (Year 2)

Students connect the counting process with number names, and apply one-to-one correspondence confidently when counting objects to 20 and beyond.
They represent numbers using numerals and physical materials.
They compare quantities and explain their reasoning clearly.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Count aloud sequentially forwards and backwards between 1 and 20 with increasing fluency.
Use "TeachThis Counting Cards" to represent numbers in different ways and connect the numeral to quantity.
Compare and order numbers from 1 to 20 using physical materials.
Demonstrate confidence in counting and representing numbers through play and discussion.
Explain reasoning about “how many” when counting sets of objects.

Resources Required

TeachThis Counting Cards (numbers 1-20)
Manipulatives such as counters, blocks, or beads (at least 21 per student group)
Number line 1-20 displayed visually in the classroom
Whiteboard and markers
A tambourine or small musical instrument for engagement
Chart paper for recording experiences and observations

Lesson Breakdown (60 minutes)

Time	Activity	Description & Notes
5 mins	Welcome & Introduction	- Greet students and introduce the "Numbers and Statistics Adventure" unit. - Introduce today’s focus: counting numbers 1 to 20. - Use a counting chant/song (e.g. “1 to 20 counting song”) to energise students. Use the tambourine to keep rhythm.
10 mins	Interactive Counting Game with TeachThis Counting Cards	- Show a card from 1 to 20. - Students chorally count the dots and then say the numeral aloud. - Invite students randomly to pick a card and count the dots aloud. - Highlight different arrangements to demonstrate one-to-one correspondence and recognise quantities regardless of arrangement.
15 mins	Hands-On Small Group Activity: Matching Cards to Counters	- Divide class into 7 groups of 3 students. - Each group receives a set of TeachThis Counting Cards 1-20 and counters. - They select a card, use counters to represent that number, then explain their thinking. - Teacher circulates, supporting counting strategies such as pointing to each counter while counting aloud.
10 mins	Number Ordering Relay Race	- Set up number cards (1-20) scattered in the play area. - One by one, students run to pick the correct card in ascending order. - When student picks a card, ask them to say the number aloud and count up to that number using their fingers. - Continue until all cards are ordered. - This physical activity consolidates ordering and counting skills.
10 mins	Class Discussion & Reasoning Time	- Gather students on the mat. - Discuss: “How do we know which number is bigger/smaller?” - Use number line and cards to explore position and order. - Ask: “If I have number 5 and number 8, which group has more counters? How do you know?” - Encourage students to explain their reasoning. - Connect to counting and comparing collections as per AC9MFN03.
5 mins	Reflection and Wrap-up	- Recap key ideas: * Counting forwards and backwards. * Representing numbers in different ways. * Comparing groups by counting. - Ask students what their favourite part of the lesson was. - Set a simple “number hunt” homework: find and record numbers from 1 to 20 around their home or neighbourhood (pictures or drawings).
5 mins	Exit Ticket & Assessment	- Each student draws a number card (1-20) randomly. - They must count out, say the number and represent it with counters. - Teacher observes and notes students needing support for future lessons. - Reassure that we will keep practising counting fun all unit long!

Differentiation

For students needing extra support:
Use smaller ranges (1-10), concrete objects to touch and visual cues such as a number line on the desk. Pair with a buddy.
For extension learners:
Challenge to count backwards from 20 to 1 or solve simple number riddles (e.g., “I am between 7 and 9, what number am I?”).

Cross-Curriculum Opportunities

Literacy: Engage oral language skills by explaining counting reasoning and giving chance for storytelling about numbers.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures: Incorporate discussion of Indigenous counting methods and traditional games involving counting to enrich cultural understanding.

Assessment and Feedback

Ongoing formative assessment throughout activities observing number recognition, counting strategies, and reasoning.
Use exit ticket activity as an informal check of individual understanding.
Provide immediate positive feedback to boost confidence.

Reflection for Next Lesson

Note student progress in fluency up to 20.
Identify groups or individuals needing more concrete counting experiences.
Plan to integrate simple addition and subtraction within 20, building on this solid number foundation.

This lesson plan ensures an engaging start to the Numbers and Statistics Adventure unit for Year 2, emphasising hands-on experience, language development, and aligning strongly with the Australian Curriculum (v9) by focusing on counting, number recognition, ordering, and explaining reasoning up to 20, using the specific content elaborations and standards suited for this early stage of Number learning in Year 2

Teaching Instructions