Fun with Counting!

Lesson Overview

• Subject: Maths
• Year Group: Year 1
• Topic: Counting in 2s
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Curriculum Link: National Curriculum for England – Number – Number and Place Value (Year 1)
  • Pupils should be taught to: "count in multiples of 2s, 5s and 10s"

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

• Count forwards and backwards in 2s up to at least 20
• Recognise patterns in counting in 2s
• Use concrete objects and pictorial representations to support their understanding

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity – Revisit Prior Learning (5 minutes)

Objective: Refresh pupils' counting skills and build confidence.

• Game: "Magic Number Flash"
  • Show number cards (0–20) randomly while counting forwards and backwards as a class.
  • Challenge: Hold up a number and ask, “What comes next?" or "What came before?"
  • Clap-stomp pattern: Clap for odd numbers, stomp for even numbers (helps with recognising multiples of 2).

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2. Teacher Input – Introducing Counting in 2s (10 minutes)

Objective: Develop understanding of counting in 2s using engaging methods.

• Story & Hook: "The Missing Socks Mystery!"
  • Tell a short story: "A mischievous washing machine has eaten some socks! Can we count the pairs to find out how many are left?"
  • Use real socks (or pictures) in pairs to demonstrate counting in 2s.
  • Ask key questions:
    • "What do you notice about the numbers?"
    • "How do we know if a number belongs in our counting in 2s pattern?"
• Interactive Counting:
  • Use a number line with missing values – ask pupils to fill in the blanks.
  • Get pupils to chant counting in 2s with actions (e.g. hop for each number).

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3. Practical Activity – Hands-on Learning (15 minutes)

Objective: Allow children to apply their knowledge through engaging activities using real-life materials.

• Task 1: Build a Tower (Pairs or Small Groups)

  • Provide multi-link cubes, counters, or LEGO bricks.
  • Challenge: "Make a tower by adding 2 bricks at a time. Can you reach 20?"
  • Extension: Ask pupils to record their number sequence.

• Task 2: Move & Count (Whole Class)

  • Get pupils physically involved!
  • Hop in 2s: Pupils hop while counting in 2s. Can they get to 20?
  • Partner high-fives: Pupils give high fives to friends while counting in 2s.

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4. Independent Work – Worksheet Activity (10 minutes)

Objective: Consolidating learning and demonstrating understanding.

• Differentiated worksheets to suit learner abilities:
  1. Emerging: Join the dots in 2s to complete a missing number sequence.
  2. Developing: Fill in the blanks on a number track counting in 2s.
  3. Mastery: Solve problem-solving challenges involving missing numbers and pattern spotting.

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5. Plenary – Review & Reflect (5 minutes)

Objective: Reinforce concepts and celebrate learning.

• 'Pass the Sparkle' – Quickfire Recap Game:

  • Pass a special object (e.g. glittery ball) around the circle.
  • Each child says the next number in the 2s sequence before passing it on.
  • If they get stuck, the class helps!

• Final Question for Reflection:

  • "Where do we use counting in 2s in real life?" (e.g. socks, shoes, counting hands, eyes, animal legs).

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Resources Needed

✅ Number cards (0-20)
✅ Real socks or sock cut-outs
✅ Multi-link cubes, counters, or LEGO bricks
✅ Large number line (classroom display or interactive board)
✅ Printed worksheets (differentiated)
✅ Small ball or special object for the plenary game

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Assessment Opportunities

✔ Observing participation in hands-on activities and number sequences
✔ Checking worksheet completion for understanding
✔ Listening to reasoning during the plenary discussion

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Extension & Support

💡 Support: Provide a visual aid with highlighted multiples of 2. Work with a partner to reinforce confidence.
💡 Challenge: Can pupils count backwards in 2s from 20? Can they identify hidden multiples of 2 in larger numbers?

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Teacher WOW Factor!

🔥 Beyond the Ordinary: Using real socks and a fun "Missing Socks Story" makes it engaging and memorable!
🔥 Movement & Interaction: Hopping, building, and partner high-fives keep energy levels up and learning dynamic!
🔥 Immersive Plenary: The "Pass the Sparkle" reflective task builds confidence and reinforces learning in a fun way.

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Final Thought

This lesson uses imaginative storytelling, hands-on resources, and movement-based learning to engage all pupils effectively. The perfect mix of structure, creativity, and challenge! 🌟