Equal Sharing Mini-Beasts

Overview

This 4-lesson sequence is designed for Reception age children (4-5 years old) in the UK, focusing on the EYFS Mathematics Early Learning Goal (ELG): Number - Children count reliably with numbers from 1 to 20, place them in order and say which number is one more or one less than a given number. They use quantities and objects, add and subtract two single-digit numbers and count on or back to find the answer.
The main focus is on developing an understanding of how to distribute quantities equally, embedded within a practical and imaginative mini-beast theme.

---

Lesson 1: Sharing with Ladybirds

Learning Objective:

Children will begin to understand equal sharing by dividing small quantities of counters (pretend ladybird spots) between two 'leaves'.

---

Starter Activity (5 mins)

Song & Movement: Sing a simple “Ladybird Spots” song together to introduce the mini-beast theme and get bodies moving. Example: “Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home, Your spots are tiny red domes…”
Singing focuses attention and primes their interest.

---

Teacher Input (10 mins)

• Introduce two large paper ‘leaves’ placed on the carpet.
• Tell a story: “We need to share these ladybird spots equally between two ladybirds.”
• Use 6 counters (red dots) and demonstrate sharing 6 spots equally by placing one spot on each leaf until none left.
• Emphasise “equal” and explain how both leaves get the same number of spots.
• Count the spots on each leaf aloud together.
• Invite children to explain what they observe about the sharing.

---

Continuous Provision (Inside and Outside - 15 mins)

Inside:

• Mini-beast themed trays with counters (spots), small leaf mats (2 or 3 leaves), and mini plastic ladybirds.
• Children explore sharing different quantities of counters equally between leaves or ladybirds.
• Adult support to ask questions like: “How many spots does each ladybird get?” “Is it fair?”

Outside:

• Use natural materials (small stones, sticks, leaves) – children find a mini-beast home (e.g. cardboard leaf), then share stones as food equally between 2 ‘mini-beasts’ (small stones or twigs).
• Children move between areas to enhance engagement, practising equal sharing in a natural environment.

---

Curriculum Links

• Early Years Foundation Stage Framework 2021, Mathematics: Number ELG.
• Development Matters: “Use the vocabulary involved in adding and subtracting.”
• Characteristics of Effective Learning: Active Learning (engagement through meaningful choices).

---

Lesson 2: Sharing for Busy Bees

Learning Objective:

Children will practise equal sharing with 3 recipients and continue to build vocabulary (equal, share, same, fair).

---

Starter Activity (5 mins)

Visual Sorting Game:
Children quickly sort mini-beast picture cards (bees, worms, spiders) into groups of 3 on the carpet. This reinforces the group size.

---

Teacher Input (10 mins)

• Present 9 counters (yellow) as ‘pollen grains’ to be shared between 3 bees.
• Model sharing by distributing one pollen grain to each bee until all shared.
• Children count together: “How many pollen grains does each bee get?”
• Emphasise the fairness and the rule “each one gets the same number.”
• Introduce simple 'sharing phrases': “Let’s share equally!” “One for you, one for me…”

---

Continuous Provision (Inside and Outside - 15 mins)

Inside:

• Set up a ‘Bee’s Pollen Shop’ with baskets and various counters (pollen grains).
• Children practise physically sharing different numbers of counters between 3 plastic bees or printed bees on mats. Include trays with 6, 9, 12 counters.

Outside:

• Mark three “flower” spots on the ground with chalk or cones. Give children a bucket of counters (natural materials or plastic). They “feed” each flower equally.
• Encourage verbalisation of the sharing process: “I am giving one to each flower.”

---

Curriculum Links

• EYFS Mathematics: Number – children solve problems including halving and sharing as early steps towards division.
• Development Matters: “Subitise (recognise quantities without counting) up to 5.”
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development: talk about fairness in sharing.

---

Lesson 3: Mini Beast Picnic

Learning Objective:

To deepen understanding by distributing items fairly between 4 mini-beasts.

---

Starter Activity (5 mins)

Counting & Matching Game: Show laminated cards with 4 mini-beasts each with blank table spaces; children match the correct number of leaf counters to each card.

---

Teacher Input (10 mins)

• Introduce 16 counters (green leaves) and 4 mini-beasts on paper mats.
• Model sharing 16 leaves equally among 4 mini-beasts by placing one leaf per mini-beast in repeated rounds.
• Count how many each one got.
• Use comparative language: “We gave each mini-beast the same number of leaves. That means it’s equal.”

---

Continuous Provision (Inside and Outside - 15 mins)

Inside:

• Mini-beast picnic role-play – children use small toys and counters (food) to share evenly between 4 mini-beasts in their play areas.
• Use real objects such as grapes or crackers (for snack time) to support real-world relevance with adult guidance.

Outside:

• Create a ‘mini-beast picnic blanket’ with plastic mats on the grass. Children work in groups to share natural objects (pinecones, petals) evenly between 4 circles marked out on the mat.

---

Curriculum Links

• EYFS Mathematics ELG: Children use quantities, recognise when amounts are equal or unequal.
• Development Matters: “Use number names and symbols when comparing quantities.”
• Understanding the World: exploring natural materials and environments.

---

Lesson 4: Sharing Mini Beast Homes

Learning Objective:

Children apply their understanding of equal sharing in a more open-ended, exploratory context with varied items and recipients.

---

Starter Activity (5 mins)

Story Time: Read a short mini-beast story with a problem: “The ants need to share their food so everyone gets enough.”

---

Teacher Input (10 mins)

• Provide a pile of counters (mixed colours) and 3 or 4 mini-beast homes (paper nests/burrows/caves).
• Ask children to help share the counters equally between homes, encouraging them to explain their reasoning and count aloud.
• Introduce vocabulary: “fair share,” “equal,” “leftovers.”

---

Continuous Provision (Inside and Outside - 15 mins)

Inside:

• Mixed counters and different numbers of recipients: children decide how to share 5, 7, or 8 counters between 3 or 4 mini-beasts, exploring what happens when it cannot be shared equally exactly.
• Adults support language about “more or less,” “leftover,” and problem-solving strategies.

Outside:

• Children forage for natural items and experiment sharing between mini-beast homes outdoors. Encourage recording findings with drawings or simple labels.
• Use magnifiers to look closely at mini-beast homes to inspire curiosity.

---

Curriculum Links

• EYFS Number ELG: Use quantities to solve problems including sharing and grouping.
• Characteristics of Effective Learning: Creating and Thinking Critically through problem solving.
• Communication and Language: Explain processes, develop reasoning skills.

---

Final Notes

• Use continuous observational assessments to identify children grasping the concept and those needing further support.
• Differentiation:
  • Use varying numbers (small or slightly higher) for sharing to meet children at their level.
  • Visual aids and concrete objects support children with additional needs.
• Encourage parental engagement by sending home simple sharing games and mini-beast spotting challenges.

This imaginative, hands-on approach embeds mathematical skills within a highly engaging mini-beast theme, ensuring children’s curiosity drives their early maths understanding in a memorable way.