Writing Numbers 1-20

Overview

In this 45-minute session, students will focus on writing numerals and corresponding words for numbers 1 to 20. This lesson builds essential number literacy, supporting the programme of study for Year 1 Mathematics in the National Curriculum for England, particularly in the "Number - number and place value" and "Number - addition and subtraction" strands. The lesson combines visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning to engage all pupils and reinforce number recognition and formation skills.

National Curriculum Links

Statutory Requirements

Number - number and place value:
- Count to and across 100, forwards and backwards, beginning with 0 or 1, or from any given number.
- Read and write numbers from 1 to 20 in numerals and words.

Learning Objectives (taken from NC Framework)

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

Accurately write numbers 1-20 in numerals.
Write number words from 1-20 with correct spelling.
Recognise the link between numerals and their word forms.
Demonstrate understanding of number order through writing practice.

Success Criteria

Students can write correct numerals 1 to 20 on their whiteboards.
Students write number words 1 to 20 with minimal spelling errors.
Students sequence numbers 1 to 20 using numeral and word forms.
Students show increased confidence orally stating numbers in words.

Resources Needed

Whiteboards and dry wipe markers (1 per pupil)
A4 lined exercise books
Number writing mats with numerals and word examples (1-10 on one side, 11-20 on opposite side)
Flashcards with numerals and words
Interactive number line displayed on the board
"Write and wipe" number cards (laminated) for paired practice
Song for number words (optional)

Lesson Structure

1. Starter: Number Rhymes and Chant (5 minutes)

Gather students in a circle.
Recite a chant or song going through numbers 1-20 focusing on number words (e.g., “One, two, buckle my shoe…” extended to 20).
Encourage children to join in to embed oral familiarity with number vocabulary.
Use flashcards to show numeral as you say the number word.

2. Introduction: Model Writing Numbers (10 minutes)

Use the interactive number line displayed on the board.
Teacher writes numeral 1 and says aloud “one” while tracing the numeral and writing the word beneath it.
Repeat for 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 to highlight numbers in different places in sequence.
Explain that numbers have both a numeral and a word.
Use number writing mats as visual scaffolds.

3. Guided Practice: Write and Say (10 minutes)

Each child receives a whiteboard and marker.
Teacher calls out random numbers from 1 to 20. Students write numeral and then orally say the number word.
Teacher writes correct numeral and word on board for children to self-correct if needed.
Pair pupils and give laminated “write and wipe” cards: one with numeral, one blank for the word. Partner 1 shows numeral, partner 2 writes the correct word. Switch roles.

4. Independent Practice: Number Writing in Books (12 minutes)

Children use their exercise books to write down the numbers 1-20 both as numerals and words.
Support pupils who need help by circulating and offering prompts (e.g., pointing to number writing mats, sounding out words).
Encourage neat handwriting and correct letter formation.
Challenge fast finishers to attempt writing numbers backwards in words 20 to 1.

5. Plenary: Quiz and Reflection (8 minutes)

Use flashcards randomly to quiz the class on either numeral recognition or word spelling.
Invite volunteers to read aloud their favourite number word on their book page and spell it aloud.
Ask children which number word was the easiest/hardest and why.
Recap the link between numeral and word form, celebrate efforts with stickers or a quick class cheer.

Assessment and Differentiation

Formative Assessment

Observations during paired and independent activities to identify who needs extra support.
Marking exercise books for correct numeral formation and spelling accuracy.
Use of whiteboards provides immediate feedback and correction opportunities.

Differentiation

Support: Number writing mats with phonetic hints, extra modelling and small group support for spelling tricky number words (e.g., seventeen, eighteen).
Challenge: Write numbers beyond 20 up to 25 or form simple number sentences (e.g., 11 + 2 = 13 written in words).

Extension Ideas for Home Learning

Encourage children to practise writing numbers 1-20 in words using magnetic letters or chalk on pavement.
Create a number word hunt by writing number words on cards and finding the matching numeral around the house.

Teacher Notes

Monitor letter formation carefully to ensure development of handwriting skills alongside number literacy.
Reinforce connections between counting and writing numbers to build deeper numeracy skills.
Use positive reinforcement, making the learning of writing numbers a fun adventure.

This detailed and curriculum-aligned plan actively involves every student giving them multi-modal learning experiences to embed the crucial skill of writing numbers 1-20 both as digits and words, setting a solid foundation for further number work in Year 1.

Teaching Instructions