Counting in Tens

Overview

This 40-minute session is designed for Primary 6 learners (age 9-10) to practise counting in tens in French. The lesson aligns with the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) for Modern Languages and incorporates play-based, kinaesthetic and collaborative learning to engage learners actively. By the end, pupils will confidently count in tens from 10 to 100 in French through games, songs, and movement activities.

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CfE Links

• Languages: I can use prior knowledge and available resources to understand and use familiar and new French words and phrases.
• Numeracy and Maths: I can recognise, describe and use numbers in a variety of ways in different contexts.
• Health and Wellbeing: I am developing confidence in new skills and enjoy exploring different ways of using language.

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Learning Intentions

• Recognise and pronounce French numbers 10 to 100 in steps of 10.
• Count aloud confidently in French using tens (dix, vingt, trente, quarante, cinquante, soixante, soixante-dix, quatre-vingts, quatre-vingt-dix, cent).
• Develop positive attitudes to learning languages through fun, interactive play.
• Use teamwork and communication skills in paired and group activities.

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Success Criteria

• I can say the numbers 10-100 in tens in French without help.
• I can join in a counting song and a game confidently.
• I can remember the key French numbers with my friends.
• I enjoy learning French and trying new activities.

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Resources

• Large number cards (10, 20, 30,...100) with French words and digits
• Audio playback device for French counting songs (e.g., "Dix, vingt, trente" tune)
• Space for movement games
• Small whiteboards and markers for pairs
• Printable bingo cards with tens in French
• Stickers or small rewards for participation

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Timing & Activities

1. Starter (5 minutes)

• Greet class in French: “Bonjour!” and introduce the topic: "Today, we will count in tens in French!"
• Quick oral warm-up: Teacher counts 1-10 in French, pupils repeat chorally.
• Show large cards 10-100 in tens with French words aloud and pupils repeat.

2. Counting Song & Chant (10 minutes)

• Play a lively French counting song that includes tens (e.g., pupils hear and sing along ‘Dix, vingt, trente...’)
• Repeat chorally with actions: clap for each number, step forward each time, etc.
• Add a call-and-response chant. Teacher says number in English ("Thirty"), pupils respond in French (“Trente”).
• Encourage clear pronunciation with peer feedback.

3. Pair Activity: Matching and Write (10 minutes)

• Give pairs small whiteboards and marker pens.
• Distribute shuffled large number cards (digits only) around the classroom.
• Pupils find the matching French word card hidden on tables/walls and write the correct word next to the digit on their whiteboard.
• Walk around to assess pronunciation and correct spellings gently.
• After 5 mins, pairs swap cards and repeat.

4. Whole-Class Game: “French Number Bingo” (10 minutes)

• Each pupil gets a bingo card with French tens in different positions.
• Teacher calls numbers in either French or English; pupils cover spot if they have it, shouting “Bingo!” when a row/column is complete.
• Encourage pupils to say the number in French when covering.
• Play 2-3 rounds, rewarding winners with stickers.

5. Cool Down & Plenary (5 minutes)

• Circle time: Pupils share their favourite part of the lesson in English or French.
• Quick quiz: Teacher points to a number card, pupils say it aloud in French.
• Praise effort, hand out small rewards and set a friendly challenge to practise counting in 10s at home.

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Differentiation

• Support: Visual prompts and paired work help learners who find language acquisition challenging.
• Challenge: Encourage confident pupils to create their own simple number chants or to teach a friend the numbers.
• Use peer support and praise to build confidence across the class.

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Assessment & Feedback

• Formative assessment during pair work and bingo listening for pronunciation and recall.
• Teacher notes on emerging learners’ confidence and accuracy.
• Use positive and specific feedback like “Great pronunciation on ‘quarante’!” or “Well done finding the matching card!”

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Extension Ideas

• Create a home-learning task where pupils find household items in groups of ten and count them in French.
• Incorporate tens into simple French maths problems (e.g., “Si j’ai trente pommes, combien ai-je si j’en ajoute vingt?”).
• Use digital tools or apps to reinforce counting in French outside school.

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This lesson embraces the Scottish CfE approach through active, communicative language learning, integrating numeracy and wellbeing to support holistic learner development in a fun and memorable way.