Lesson Plan: Introduction to Numbers, Shapes, and Colours

General Information

• Subject: Mathematics
• Year Level: Year 1
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Class Size: 12 students
• Curriculum Area: Number and Algebra, Geometry
• Specific Focus: Number identification (1-20), common 2D shapes, and basic colours
• Learning Objectives:
  • To identify and write numbers from 1-20.
  • To recognise and name common 2D shapes such as squares, rectangles, circles, and triangles.
  • To identify basic colours and relate them to everyday objects.
  • To understand the sequence and order of numbers 1-20.

Resources Needed

• Number cards (1-20)
• Shape templates (circles, squares, rectangles, triangles)
• Colour swatches
• Whiteboards and markers
• Worksheets for numbers, shapes, and colours
• Craft materials (coloured paper, glue, scissors)
• Laminated colourful shapes and numbers

Lesson Breakdown

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Warm-up Activity: Begin with a number song, such as "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe," to engage students and introduce the concept of numbers sequentially.
2. Introduction to Objectives: Briefly explain what will be covered in the lesson: numbers, shapes, and colours. Show flashcards as visual aids.

Main Activities (30 minutes)

1. Activity 1: Number Identification and Writing (10 minutes)

   • Distribute whiteboards and markers to each student.
   • Show a number card and ask the class to identify it out loud.
   • Have students write the number on their whiteboards. Walk around to check and provide individual feedback.
   • NZ Maths Resource on Number Identification

2. Activity 2: Shape and Colour Hunt (10 minutes)

   • Provide each student with a set of laminated shape cutouts in various colours.
   • Call out a shape and a colour (e.g., "Find the red circle"), and have students hold up the correct shape and colour.
   • Discuss each shape and its characteristics (e.g., a triangle has three sides).
   • Sorting and Matching Shapes and Colours

3. Activity 3: Craft Time - Creating a Number and Shape Collage (10 minutes)

   • Hand out craft materials and worksheets with outlines of numbers and shapes.
   • Students will cut out coloured paper to fill in the numbers and shapes, reinforcing their identification skills and practising fine motor skills.
   • Display finished art around the classroom for continuous visual reinforcement.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Recap and Reflect: Review the numbers, shapes, and colours covered in the lesson.
2. Closure Activity: Gather students in a circle and play a quick game of "I Spy," focusing on objects in the classroom that relate to the day’s lesson (e.g., "I spy with my little eye something that is a blue circle").

Assessment

• Informal observation during activities to assess individual participation and understanding.
• Review of the whiteboard activities and craft projects to ensure correct identification and understanding of numbers and shapes.

Notes for Future Lessons

Consider integrating digital resources like interactive games from websites such as NZ Maths, which offer specific modules for early learners, focusing on number recognition and basic geometry skills.

Link for further resources: NZ Maths - Early Learning

Curriculum Alignment

This lesson plan is designed in alignment with the New Zealand Curriculum, focusing primarily on Level 1 outcomes in the Mathematics and Statistics learning area, particularly aiming at achieving goals related to Number and Algebra, and Geometry and Measurement.

This structured and interactive lesson plan is crafted to make learning numbers, shapes, and colours enjoyable and memorable for Year 1 students, integrating tactile, visual, and auditory learning channels.