Number Fun Start

Overview

This 60-minute session is Lesson 1 of 1 in the unit Fun with Number Guessing. It targets preschool-year 0 students (5-year-olds, new entrants) in New Zealand, following the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh for Years 0-3 (Phase 1), specifically focusing on number recognition and counting 1-10.

WALT:
We Are Learning To recognize and identify numbers from 1 to 10.

Success Criteria:

• Students confidently identify numbers 1-10 when shown on cards.
• Students verbally count together from 1 to 10.

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Curriculum Alignment

This lesson aligns primarily with the Number strand in Phase 1 (Years 0-3) of the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum (Te Mātaiaho Maths) which emphasises:

• Subitising small numbers (recognising quantities without counting, up to 5 and then 10).
• Counting forwards and backwards from any whole number between 1 and 10, progressing to 20.
• Using physical materials and manipulatives to connect number symbols to quantities.
• Developing early number language and positional understanding.

This is supported by key competencies developed through engaging oral language, social interaction, and active participation .

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Learning Objectives

• Recognise numerals 1 to 10 displayed visually.
• Verbally count aloud from 1 to 10 with peers and teacher support.
• Participate in guided counting activities using tactile and visual aids.
• Develop confidence in taking turns speaking and listening respectfully in a group.

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Resources Needed

• Large colourful number cards (1-10)
• Wooden number blocks (1-10) for hands-on counting
• Tactile sandpaper number cut-outs for sensory learners
• Number tracing worksheets and puzzles (extension)
• Audio-visual equipment for playing a numbers video
• Space for group circle and movement

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Lesson Timeline & Activities

Time	Activity	Details & Teaching Strategies	Differentiation & Extension
9:10 – 9:20	Welcome and Introductions	- Children say their name and how they're feeling (build relationship)	Support shy learners by modelling sentence starters
9:20 – 9:30	Numbers 1-10 Video	- Engage children with a fun, age-appropriate YouTube video on numbers 1-10 to stimulate visual and auditory learning.	Repeat parts for slower learners; advanced learners encouraged to count aloud alongside video
9:30 – 9:40	Number Cards Identification	- Show large number cards, inviting children one by one to identify the number aloud.

• Use positive reinforcement to encourage participation. | Provide sandpaper number cards for tactile learners; scaffold by offering hints when needed | | 9:40 – 9:50 | Group Counting with Wooden Blocks | - Guide the group in counting from 1 to 10 together using blocks.
• Each child is encouraged to place a block and say the number aloud. | Advanced learners may count beyond 10 or group blocks for patterns (e.g. 2s or 5s) | | 9:50 – 10:00 | Number Guessing Game | - Student chooses a secret number from 1-10.
• Others indicate “too high”, “too low” or “correct” via visual signals.
• Facilitates number comparison understanding and turn-taking skills. | Simplify by narrowing the range for some students; extend by allowing up to 20 for confident students | | 10:00 – 10:10| Wrap-up and Reflection | - Recap what numbers were learned, revisit success criteria.
• Ask children what their favourite number was and why. | Encourage children to verbalise feelings about learning; note progress made for report |

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Differentiation Strategies

• Support for diverse learners: Use multi-sensory learning tools (sandpaper numbers, counting beads) for children with sensory needs or dyslexia-friendly materials.
• For English language learners: Pair children for peer support; use gestures, visuals, and repeat vocabulary often.
• Advanced learners: Challenge with counting to 20, recognising patterns (odd/even), and simple skip counting.
• Provide calm, quiet areas for children who may find group settings over-stimulating.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Informal observation during card identification and counting activities.
• Check verbal counting ability during group counting and number guessing game.
• Note participation, confidence, and interaction with peers.
• Collect tracing worksheets for fine motor and number symbol recognition evidence.

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Extension Activities

• Number tracing worksheets focusing on 1-10, emphasising pencil grip and control (linked to handwriting activities in daily schedule).
• Number puzzles and games that require pairing numbers with quantities or matching number cards to groups of objects.
• Small group activities exploring patterns within numbers 1-10 (e.g., arranging blocks in shapes or lines).

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Links to Other Learning Areas

• Oral language development: turn-taking, listening skills, and vocabulary expansion (numbers, positional language).
• Social competencies: patience, cooperation, and follows mat/manner routines as introduced in the first week.
• Fine motor skills: through number tracing as part of handwriting practice.

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Teacher's Notes

• Begin with explicit modelling and prompts to encourage "have a go" attitude, reinforcing mistakes as learning opportunities in line with the curriculum emphasis on curiosity and resilience .
• Use clear, concise mathematical language consistently (number names, “more than”, “less than”, “number before/after”) to build vocabulary.
• Position yourself for inclusive engagement, ensure all children are seen and heard.
• Link learning to everyday experiences (counting steps, toys, snacks).

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By aligning activities with Te Mātaiaho and the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh strategies, this lesson ensures students thrive in a mathematical environment enriching their literacy and numeracy foundations while fostering positive dispositions to learning.

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If you want, I can also help draft the accompanying slide content for your daily slideshow presentation!