Counting to Ten

Overview

Unit Title: Counting Fun to 100
Lesson: 1 of 5 – Introduction to Numbers 1–10
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Size: 3 preschool learners
Curriculum Area: Mathematics and Statistics
Curriculum Level: Te Whāriki – Exploration / Mana Aotūroa and reflects Level 1 of the New Zealand Curriculum Framework: [Number and Algebra strand]

Learning in early childhood is guided by Te Whāriki, which fosters experiential, play-based learning that promotes curiosity and engagement with the world. In this lesson, children begin to develop a foundational awareness of numbers 1 to 10 through music, movement, kaiako-guided interaction, and exploration.

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, ākonga will:

• Begin to recognise and name numbers from 1 to 10
• Connect number names with quantities through one-to-one correspondence
• Develop number sense using tactile, visual, and kinaesthetic strategies
• Begin to use mathematical language, e.g. “how many?” or “same as”
• Participate in group activities with enjoyment and curiosity

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Materials Required

• Large flashcards with numbers 1–10 (each with matching dots or images)
• A set of natural counting objects (e.g. shells, stones, wooden blocks)
• A “number mat” (felt, rug or hopscotch-style printed cloth with numbers 1–10)
• Music speaker (for counting songs and background music)
• Pre-cut paper crowns and stickers
• Soft plush toy (for turn-taking and circle activities)
• Whiteboard and markers (optional for kaiako)

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Lesson Structure (30 Minutes)

⏱ Warm-Up – Welcome Circle (5 mins)

Purpose: Build a safe, collaborative environment and introduce learning focus.

• Greet each child individually and transition into Pōwhiri-style welcome (simple song or chant in te reo Māori)
• Pass around a plush toy — each child says their name and their “favourite number” (can be any number, even if they don’t yet associate it accurately)
• Introduce today’s focus: “Today we’re going to meet our new number friends from 1 to 10!”

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🎵 Activity 1 – Number Song & Movement (5 mins)

Purpose: Connect number names with physical movement and rhythm.

• Lead children in the song “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I Caught a Fish Alive”
• Encourage hand gestures showing fingers as each number is sung
• Repeat with actions like clapping, stomping, or jumping (up to 10)
• Emphasise pronunciation and rhythm to build verbal association with numerals

📌 Extension: Use te reo Māori numbers during one repeat (tahi to tekau).

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🔢 Activity 2 – Number Mat Adventure (8 mins)

Purpose: Explore numbers spatially and kinaesthetically.

• Lay out the number mat in view of all children
• Invite one ākonga at a time to hop, tiptoe, or stomp on numbers as called out:
  • “Can you find number 4?”
  • “Jump from 1 to 5!”
• Co-create short number journeys: “Let’s walk from 1 to 3 with our shells”
• Encourage counting aloud with each jump or step

👣 Kaiako Tip: If children are still learning recognition, show flashcard and place it on the matching number on the mat to scaffold understanding.

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🐚 Activity 3 – Counting with Nature (7 mins)

Purpose: Develop one-to-one correspondence and connect numbers to real objects.

• Each child receives a small counting tray/basket
• Set a number goal (e.g., “Can you find 5 shells?”)
• Children pick, count and place objects individually
• Group counting (kaiako-led): “Let’s all count [child's] stones together: one, two, three...”

🌿 Incorporate Tikanga Māori: Briefly talk about the importance of nature, counting stones as taonga (treasures), encouraging care and appreciation during the process

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👑 Activity 4 – My Number Crown (4 mins)

Purpose: Reinforce learning with a creative, reflective task.

• Each child receives a paper crown pre-labelled with a number (1 to 10)
• They decorate with stickers or drawn shapes that match the number
• Say their number aloud before wearing their crown like a “Number King or Queen”

🎤 Encourage shy learners with prompts: “You have number 3 — can we count to 3 together?”

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🔁 Wrap-Up & Whakarāpopoto (Review) (1 min)

• Return to circle time
• Ask: “Which number was your favourite today?”
• Praise all efforts — “Ka pai tō mahi!” (Good work!)

📚 Briefly mention: “Next time, we’ll learn some number games and go on a treasure hunt to find our number friends again!”

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• For neurodiverse learners: Use a visual schedule, consistent routines, quiet sensory options
• Te Reo Māori learners: Numbers 1-10 introduced simultaneously in English/Te Reo
• Shy/tactile learners: May observe before engaging — offer parallel tasks like matching cards
• Advanced learners: Challenge them to count backwards, or make double-digit numbers (like 1 + 0 = 10) with help

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Assessment for Learning

• Observation log (informal):

  • Does the child engage with number songs and actions?
  • Can the child identify or match at least 3 numbers?
  • Is the child beginning to use counting words like “two”, “more”, “again”?

• Kaiako notes will inform the planning of Lesson 2 and respond to children’s interests and learning progression.

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Reflection for Next Lesson

Based on today’s observations, adapt next session to support recognition, recall and deeper comprehension (i.e. matching quantities without one-to-one counting, recognising number patterns on dice or dominoes).

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🧠 Key Pedagogical Note: This session aligns with the "Exploration | Mana Aotūroa" strand of Te Whāriki, supporting learners to experience an environment where they gain confidence in and control of their growing bodies, and where they learn through active exploration of the world.

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Ka pai tō mahi e hoa mā – we’re on our way to becoming confident counters!