Counting to Ten

Overview

A dynamic 30-minute session designed for Year 1 children (ages 5-6), focusing on counting aloud and recognising numbers 1 to 10 in line with the National Curriculum for England (Mathematics - Number: Number and Place Value). The lesson incorporates multisensory activities to engage all learners and includes continuous formative assessment.

National Curriculum Reference

Mathematics – Number: Number and Place Value

• Count to and across 100, forwards and backwards, beginning with 0 or 1, or from any given number. (Year 1 Programme of Study)
• Count, read and write numbers to 100 in numerals.
• Given a number, identify one more and one less.

This lesson specifically targets the early part of these objectives by focusing on counting to 10.

---

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Count aloud confidently from 1 to 10 in order.
2. Recognise and say the number names 1 to 10 when shown as numerals.
3. Match quantities with the correct numeral to 10.

---

Resources

• Number cards 1-10 (large and colourful)
• Ten small objects per pupil (e.g., counters, blocks, or toy animals)
• Interactive whiteboard or large display (if available)
• "Counting to 10" song audio or video (optional)
• Printable worksheets with pictures of groups of objects (1 to 10)
• Large dice with numbers 1-10 (or 1-6 twice + 4 cards to extend range)

---

Timing & Detailed Activities

0-5 mins: Warm-Up - Counting Chant

• Gather the class in a circle. Lead a lively, rhythmic counting chant from 1 to 10, encouraging children to join in and repeat after you.
• Use actions to represent each number (e.g., show one finger for 1, two fingers for 2).
• Engage all children by pointing to individual pupils to say each number aloud.

Assessment: Teacher observes participation and correct pronunciation.

---

5-12 mins: Number Recognition Game

• Show number cards 1-10 one at a time and ask children to shout out the number.
• Next, place the cards randomly on the floor and invite children (one-by-one) to pick the card you call out.
• Introduce a ‘Number Detective’ role for a child each turn: find and hold up the card matching the called number.

Assessment: Informal observation of recognition accuracy.

---

12-20 mins: Practical Counting Activity

• Give each child a pile of 10 objects.
• Call out a number between 1 and 10 (e.g., "Show me 4 counters!") and children physically group out that amount.
• Vary by asking, "Can you count out 7 blocks?", "Who can find 10?"
• Encourage children to count aloud as they move their objects to build confidence in matching quantity with number name.

Curriculum link: Develops number sense and one-to-one correspondence.

---

20-27 mins: Interactive Dice Game

• Use the large dice to roll a number.
• Children work together to count out and show the correct number of objects, then shout the number together.
• Variation: One child rolls, another counts objects, then all repeat the number aloud confirming understanding.
• If using a digital display, project the number rolled and ask children to find the numeral card that matches.

---

27-30 mins: Plenary and Reflection

• Gather children back in the circle.
• Sing a catchy "Counting to 10" song together (use clapping or body percussion for fun).
• Quick-fire oral quiz: point randomly around the room and say numbers 1 to 10 out of order, asking children to call them out or show fingers.
• Give positive verbal feedback to consolidate confidence.

---

Differentiation

• For pupils needing extra support: use visual aids with images representing each quantity (e.g., four apples next to number 4).
• For more able learners: extend counting to 15 or ask “What number comes after 7?”

---

Assessment Opportunities

• Ongoing informal assessment through observation during games and activities.
• Note which children can confidently count to 10 and recognise numerals.
• Use worksheet or oral questions for a quick end-of-lesson check (optional).

---

Additional Teacher Tips

• Use enthusiastic voice and facial expressions to keep young children engaged.
• Incorporate physical movement (standing, clapping, jumping) while counting to appeal to kinesthetic learners.
• Rotate roles (e.g., ‘Number Detective’, object counter) to encourage peer learning and keep children invested.

---

This plan ensures full alignment with the Year 1 National Curriculum requirements while using creative, multisensory approaches to reinforce fundamental counting skills in an inspiring and memorable way.