Number Fun Together

Year: 0 & 1 | Duration: 60 minutes | Class Size: 25

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Memorise addition and subtraction facts up to 5 using hands-on activities.
• Understand number relationships through play and materials.
• Use correct mathematical language to describe addition and subtraction.

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Curriculum Links - New Zealand Curriculum Refresh (Te Mātaiaho)

Strand: Number and Algebra
Level: 1 (Years 0-1)

Learning objective references:

• Recall addition and subtraction facts up to 5 and begin to explore facts up to 10 (including doubles and halves).
• Use materials like counters, 10s frames, and part-whole diagrams to understand and represent addition and subtraction facts.
• Use mathematical language such as add, join, plus, subtract, separate to describe operations.
• Develop fluency through physical and digital games and real-world problem-solving.
• Develop subitising skills (recognising a number without counting) for collections up to 5.

Key Competencies:

• Thinking: Encourage reasoning about number relationships and making connections.
• Using language, symbols and texts: Use mathematical vocabulary and symbols in describing operations.
• Managing self: Persist in tasks and problem-solving activities.
• Relating to others: Work collaboratively in games and activities requiring turn-taking.

Reference: Te Mātaiaho Maths and Statistics in the New Zealand Curriculum Years 0–8, October 2024 .

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Success Criteria

• Students can confidently say addition and subtraction facts up to 5 from memory.
• Students can use counters or 10s frames to model addition and subtraction problems.
• Students use correct mathematical language when describing their number sentences.
• Students solve simple addition and subtraction problems in pairs or small groups.

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Materials Needed

• Counters (25 sets, approx. 10 each)
• 10s frames (laminated or printed, one per student)
• Number cards (0 to 5)
• Part-whole diagrams (laminated or printed)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Dice with dots 1-5
• Mini abacus or multilink cubes
• Interactive digital maths game (if tech available)

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Lesson Outline

1. Introduction & Warm Up (10 minutes)

• Welcome and briefly explain WALT using kid-friendly language:
  "Today we are learning to add and take away numbers up to 5 by using counters and fun games!"
• Quick subitising game: Show dot cards (1 to 5) briefly—students shout out numbers without counting fingers.
• Show a simple addition or subtraction (e.g., 2 + 3 or 5 – 1) using counters on a 10s frame, narrating language: "Two counters join with three counters to make five."

2. Hands-on Activity: Family of Facts with Counters (20 minutes)

• Distribute counters and 10s frames to pairs of students.
• Give them a number card (e.g., 3) and ask them to make two groups that add to that number, discussing with their partner: "Can you make 3 in two different ways?"
• Model filling in a part-whole diagram with their groupings. For example, 1 and 2 make 3 or 0 and 3 make 3.
• Connect subtraction: "If I have 3 counters and take away 1, how many are left?"
• Each pair takes turns explaining one addition and one subtraction fact to the class using their materials.
• Teacher prompts correct language: add, take away, total, left.

3. Group Game: Dice Addition and Subtraction (15 minutes)

• Students sit in a circle.
• Each student rolls the dice showing 1 to 5 dots twice. They use their counters and 10s frame to add the two numbers.
• Then, for subtraction, roll once and ask, "If you take away this number from the total of 5, how many left?"
• Children share their thinking with a partner.
• Teacher circulates giving scaffolding for students who need help, or encouraging faster learners to try and explain why 3 + 2 is the same as 2 + 3 (commutative property).

4. Independent Exploration with Digital or Physical Tools (10 minutes)

• Set up two activity stations:
  1. Interactive digital game practising facts to 5 through matching and quick recall.
  2. Physical activity with multilink cubes to build towers illustrating addition and subtraction.
• Students rotate midway through.

5. Wrap Up & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Group discussion: Ask students, "What did you learn about numbers today?"
• Introduce success criteria: "We found out that 5 can be made in lots of ways and that adding and taking away can be fun with counters!"
• Give a quick thumbs-up/thumbs-down or a short thumbs sideways for "I’m still learning this."

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Differentiation Strategies

For Students Needing Support:

• Use smaller groups and one-on-one scaffolding with manipulatives.
• Use more visual supports such as colourful number lines or finger representations.
• Provide repeated patterns (e.g., 1+1, 2+1) before moving on.
• Use language cues and sentence starters: "I have __, I add __, so I have __."

For Advanced Learners:

• Challenge them to explore addition and subtraction facts up to 10 using the same activities.
• Ask them to explain the commutative property (e.g., 2 + 3 = 3 + 2) and create their own number sentences or “families of facts.”
• Invite them to teach peers or lead small-group discussions.

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Assessment & Evidence Gathering

• Observe students during pair and group activities noting use of correct terminology and ability to model problems with materials.
• Check completed part-whole diagrams whether accurate representations of facts.
• Use quick oral quizzes at wrap-up to assess memorisation.
• Review students’ explanations for understanding of addition and subtraction relationships.

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Notes:

• Emphasise the use of real objects and visual representations to build foundational understanding as per the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh recommendations.
• Include Māori and Pasifika counting patterns or language examples where possible to connect to learner identities.

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This plan aligns with the Number and Algebra strand at Level 1 of the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, emphasising fluency in basic addition and subtraction through varied, hands-on approaches and language development that meets diverse learner needs .