Creative Counting Fun

Objective

To engage reception students in counting through a multi-sensory art and design activity that promotes numeracy skills while encouraging creativity.

Duration

20 Minutes

Class Size

50 Students

Curriculum Standards

• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework:
  • Prime Area: Communication and Language
  • Prime Area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Specific Area: Mathematics (Number & Shape, Space and Measure)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, students will be able to:

1. Count from 1 to 10 using a creative display.
2. Identify and create patterns using different objects.
3. Demonstrate fine motor skills through cutting, sticking, and arranging.

Resources Needed

• Coloured paper (various sizes and shapes)
• Safety scissors
• Glue sticks
• Markers and crayons
• Pre-cut shapes: circles, squares, triangles (from 1 to 10)
• Example templates for artwork (to inspire counting designs)
• Clean surfaces or tables for art activities

Preparation (5 minutes before the session)

1. Arrange the classroom tables into groups of 5 to facilitate collaboration.
2. Place materials at each group’s table.
3. Prepare a visual display of counting examples (e.g., a number line, shape art) at the front of the classroom.

Introduction (3 minutes)

1. Welcome the students: Gather the students in a circle and explain that today's activity will be both fun and educational.
2. Introduce Counting: Ask students to count aloud from 1 to 10 together. Use visual aids to reinforce the numbers as they count.
3. Explain the Activity: Tell students they will be creating a "Counting Collage" using different shapes. Each group will create their own collage representing numbers 1 to 10.

Main Activity (10 minutes)

1. Group Instructions:

   • Divide the class into 10 groups (5 students per group).
   • Assign each group a number from 1 to 10.
   • Explain that they must use the pre-cut shapes to create a collage that represents their number.
   • For example, Group 1 uses 1 circle, Group 2 uses 2 squares, etc.

2. Execution:

   • Allow students to use scissors to cut additional shapes from coloured paper if needed.
   • Encourage them to use glue sticks to attach their shapes to a larger piece of coloured paper.
   • Encourage teamwork and discuss the number they are creating as they work.

3. Facilitator Role:

   • Move around the room to provide support, ask guiding questions, and prompt them to count their shapes as they create.

Conclusion (2 minutes)

1. Show and Share: Invite each group to share their collage with the class, holding up their work and counting the shapes they used.
2. Reflection: Ask students how many shapes they used and what patterns they noticed during the activity.
3. Praise Efforts: Celebrate everyone’s creativity and teamwork, reinforcing the importance of counting and collaboration.

Assessment

• Observe students as they work, assessing their ability to count accurately, their participation in group activity, and their fine motor skills during the cutting and gluing process.
• Evaluate the final collages to ensure collaboration and counting knowledge were applied effectively.

Additional Notes

• Consider providing a quiet area for students who may feel overwhelmed.
• Ensure to take into account any individual needs or requirements of students when grouping.

This lesson combines creativity with cognitive development, meeting the diverse needs of reception students while aligning with the EYFS framework's focus on numeracy. Encourage teachers to adapt this plan as necessary, keeping the core objectives in mind.