Counting Strategies

Curriculum Area

Mathematics and Statistics — Number and Algebra
Level 2 (Aligned with Year 4)

This lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum, specifically focusing on addition strategies, particularly counting on. This strategy is vital in developing students’ mental maths ability by encouraging them to add fluently and efficiently.

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Learning Outcomes

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

• Use the count on strategy to solve addition problems.
• Recognise when counting on is the most efficient strategy compared to other mental maths methods.
• Apply counting on in real-world contexts.

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Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Set of number cards (1-20)
• Small counters or cubes for each student
• "Counting On Treasure Hunt" worksheet

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Lesson Structure (15 Minutes)

1. Warm-Up Game (3 minutes) – "Number Bounce"

• Students stand in a circle.
• The teacher calls out a number (e.g. 7).
• The next student must quickly count on by adding a small number (1, 2, or 3).
• Continue around the circle, with each student adding to the last number given.
• Example: Teacher says 7, first student says 9 (counted on 2), second student says 12 (counted on 3), and so on.
• Reinforce the idea that counting on is quicker than counting from zero.

2. Teacher Modelling (4 minutes) – "Counting On in Action"

• Write 8 + 3 = ? on the board.
• Ask students: "What would happen if we started at 8 and counted on 3 more?"
• Demonstrate verbally and on the board: "8... 9, 10, 11!"
• Show another example with counters: Start with 5, then physically count on 4 more (6, 7, 8, 9).
• Discuss why we are not starting from 1 and how this makes addition quicker.

3. Pair Activity (5 minutes) – "Counting On Treasure Hunt"

• Provide each pair with a worksheet of treasure chests.
• Each chest has a starting number.
• Students draw a card (1-5) and use the count on strategy to add the number on their card to the number on the chest.
• Example: If their chest has 6 and they draw a 4, they count on—7, 8, 9, 10!
• Students can use counters if needed.
• Once solved, they place a "gold coin" (a sticker) inside the chest as a reward.

4. Quickfire Wrap-Up (3 minutes) – "Spot the Fastest!"

• Present three addition problems on the board:
  • 7 + 2
  • 9 + 4
  • 6 + 5
• Have students solve in their heads as fast as they can, using counting on.
• Discuss how counting on helped find quick answers without re-counting from 1.

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Differentiation Strategies

For students who need extra support 📉

• Allow them to use counters throughout.
• Work with a buddy who can guide them step by step.

For students who grasp the concept quickly 📈

• Encourage jumping numbers (e.g. starting at 7 and jumping directly to 10 instead of counting one by one).
• Introduce problems where they must choose between counting on or another strategy for efficiency.

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Assessment & Reflection

🚀 Quick Check: Ask students individually:

• "Would you use counting on for 14 + 2? How would you do it?"
• Observe their confidence in explaining their thinking.

📖 Home Connection: Suggest students try counting on when playing board games (e.g. start at 23 and count on space moves).

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🌟 Teacher Tip: Use engaging scenarios (e.g. climbing steps, adding stickers to a book) to make counting on more interactive.

💡 Next Lesson Progression: Move towards bridging to 10 for more complex mental addition strategies.