Fun with Numbers!

Curriculum Focus

Subject: Mathematics
Curriculum Area: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – Number
Level: Reception (Ages 4-5)
Goal: Develop children’s understanding of numbers up to 10, including counting, number recognition, and simple ordering.

Learning Objectives

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

• Count forwards and backwards to 10 confidently.
• Recognise and name numbers up to 10.
• Match written numerals to the correct quantity.
• Order numbers from 1 to 10.

Resources Needed

• Number flashcards (1-10)
• Counting objects (e.g., plastic animals, cubes, or buttons – 10 per child)
• A large floor number line (1-10)
• A soft toy or puppet (class mascot)
• Whiteboards and pens (optional)

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Lesson Structure (20 minutes)

1. Warm-Up Activity (5 mins) – Counting Fun!

• Gather students in a circle. Use the puppet/class mascot as a ‘special guest’.
• The puppet will ‘forget’ how to count, making mistakes (e.g., skipping numbers). Encourage the children to correct it. Example: “1, 2, 4, 5… Oh no! What did I miss?”
• Have students count together, clapping for each number.
• Challenge: Count backwards from 10.

2. Main Activity (10 mins) – Number Hunt & Ordering

Part 1: Number Hunt (5 mins)

• Spread number flashcards around the classroom.
• Call out a number (e.g., “Find number 6!”), and children must search and bring it back.
• Once found, have the students say the number aloud and show it on their fingers.

Part 2: Ordering the Numbers (5 mins)

• Use the large floor number line. Give different children a number card and ask them to stand in order.
• As a class, support children in checking the order by counting together.
• Optional: Mix up the number line and ‘fix’ it together.

3. Plenary (5 mins) – Magic Counting Bag

• Have a mystery bag with objects inside (between 1 and 10).
• Secretly take some out and ask: “How many do I have?” Encourage children to count aloud.
• Extend: “What happens if I add one more?” or “What if I take one away?”

Extension/Home Link

Encourage children to find numbers in their home environment (doors, clocks, toys) and report back.

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Differentiation

• Support: Use number songs/rhymes and visuals for additional reinforcement.
• Challenge: Ask confident children to count beyond 10 or predict missing numbers in a sequence.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observe counting accuracy during activities.
• Check number recognition from the flashcards activity.
• Question children on number order and one more/one less concepts.

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Teacher’s Reflection

• What went well?
• Did children engage with activities?
• Any areas needing revision or more support?
• How can this learning be reinforced tomorrow?

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This lesson is interactive and engaging while ensuring alignment with the UK EYFS Mathematics curriculum. Teachers will love the hands-on approach, making number learning fun and memorable! 🎉