Numbers 1 to 10

Overview

In this 60-minute session for Year 0 preschool students (5-year-olds new to the classroom), students will explore numbers 1 to 10 through interactive, tactile, and visual activities aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh (Te Mātaiaho). This introductory lesson uses engaging methods suitable for young learners new to school routines while explicitly connecting to curriculum expectations.

Date & Time

Monday 20th April 2026, 10:10am - 11:10am
Class size: 20 students

Learning Intentions & Curriculum Links

WALT:

We Are Learning To recognise and count numbers 1 to 10.

Success Criteria:

Students will identify numbers 1-10 visually (numerals).
Students will count and match numbers 1-10 to physical objects (wooden number blocks).
Students will demonstrate engagement with numbers through participation in video, group counting, and block activities.

Curriculum Alignment:

This aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh for Phase 1 (Years 0-1) Mathematics and Statistics strand, focusing on early number concepts:

Number knowledge: Identify, read and write numbers to at least 10. Use materials and images to count objects and understand quantity (subitising collections up to 10).
Number structure: Count forwards and backwards from any number between 1 and 10.
Communication: Use mathematical language for counting, comparison (more, less), and recognition .
Mathematical Processes: Engage in problem solving and reasoning by noticing patterns and relationships .

Key Competencies

Participating and Contributing: Working in small groups and sharing materials.
Relating to Others: Using language to express understanding and feelings.
Thinking: Building number sense through exploration and visualisation.

Lesson Flow

Time	Activity Description	Resources	Differentiation / Support
0-5 min	Welcome & Settle: Quick hello, mat manners reminder, introduce WALT and Success Criteria. This links well with the day’s morning routine and classroom rules time.	Teacher-led talk	Support children with clear visuals (WALT/S.C. posters) and simple language.
5-15 min	YouTube Video Introduction: Show an engaging, colourful video introducing numbers 1-10 through music and animation. Pause to ask simple questions about numbers (e.g., “Where is number 3?”).	Video played on screen	Repeat key vocabulary; use gestures. For ELL/dyslexia-friendly, display numbers prominently.
15-40 min	Group Hands-On Activity: Using wooden number blocks 1-10, in groups of 4-5, students will physically handle blocks. Teacher models counting objects, matching numeral to the quantity. Children take turns to place blocks in sequence and count aloud.	Wooden number blocks, number cards, 10s frame visuals	Use number cards and 10s frames as visual aids for students needing extra support. Offer tracing numbers for fine motor practice. Peer support encouraged.
40-50 min	Extension Activity for Advanced Learners: Create simple number patterns with blocks (e.g., 1,2,1,2 or 3,4,5,3,4,5). Children can predict next numbers and count blocks in pattern.	Extra set of blocks, pattern cards	Challenge advanced learners to build and describe their own patterns.
50-60 min	Group Reflection & Success Check: Sit on the mat and discuss what was learnt. Use simple recall questions ("What numbers do you remember?"). Review success criteria and give positive feedback.	Mat, WALT chart	Encourage all children to share, support shy children with prompts or sentence starters.

Assessment

Formative: Observations during group activity noting number recognition and counting accuracy.
Anecdotal: Notes on confidence, attention, and interaction during video and group work.
Success Criteria Check: Use simple thumbs-up/down or smiley-face card responses at reflection time to gauge understanding.

Teaching Strategies & Notes

Explicit teaching: Teacher models counting and number naming clearly. Use think-aloud strategy to verbalise the counting steps.
Multisensory learning: Combine visual (video, number cards), auditory (song, counting aloud), and tactile (wooden blocks) inputs.
Language support: Intentionally connect everyday language (e.g., “more,” “less,” “same”) to mathematical terms and concepts. Use te reo Māori numerals as optional for cultural inclusion (e.g., tahi (1), rua (2)) where possible.
Flexible grouping: Small groups allow tailored support and peer learning. Rotate roles to engage all learners.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Multiple means of representation and expression. Use scaffolding for those with additional needs including visual cues and manipulatives. Provide opportunities for creative expression for advanced learners through pattern making.

Links to Daily Routine Integration

This session fits into the established timetable on Monday 20th April 2026, 10:10-10:30 slot for number recognition activities following the introduction of classroom routines and social settling in the morning. It complements the teacher’s preference for a daily slideshow of activities and mixed media use.

Resources Suggested

Age-appropriate animated YouTube video on numbers 1-10 (no links provided)
Wooden number blocks 1-10
Number cards with large clear numerals
10s frames or similar counting frames
Mat space for group discussions
Visual WALT and Success Criteria displays

Extensions & Follow-Up

Number tracing worksheets: develop fine motor and numeral formation skills, suitable for follow-up handwriting time in the afternoon.
Number puzzles: physical jigsaw or matching sets integrating number and quantity.
Counting songs & simple rhymes: reinforce counting order and pronunciation.
Oral language focus: Encourage students to talk about their favourite numbers or counting experiences in small groups or ‘buddy talk’ sessions.

This plan is purposefully detailed and designed to inspire teachers new to AI-supported lesson planning, combining curriculum rigour with creativity and inclusion, ensuring students connect deeply with their first steps in numeracy under the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh framework.

References:

NZC Mathematics and Statistics Phase 1, October 2024
Te Mātaiaho Mathematics and Statistics Curriculum Years 0–8, October 2024

Teaching Instructions