Writing Urdu Names and Numbers

Overview

This 40-minute lesson introduces 8 students to writing their names in Urdu followed by learning to write and recognise numbers 1-10 in Urdu. The lesson integrates speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, aligned with the KS2 Modern Foreign Languages framework (DfE MFL Programme of Study), fostering linguistic awareness and cultural curiosity.

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Learning Objectives

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

• Write their own names using the Urdu script, recognising its right-to-left orientation.
• Correctly write the numbers 1-10 in Urdu with accurate pronunciation.
• Recognise Urdu numerals and link them to the corresponding English numbers.
• Develop an appreciation for the Urdu language and its script as part of cultural awareness.

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Curriculum Links

• KS2 Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) – DfE Programme of Study:
  • Pupils should develop accurate pronunciation and intonation when speaking.
  • Pupils should read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing.
  • Pupils should write phrases from memory and adapt these to create new sentences.
• English National Curriculum – Literacy:
  • Recognise letters of different alphabets and understand that scripts can be written in different directions.
• PSHE:
  • Promoting intercultural understanding and respect for different identities.

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Resources

• Printed Urdu alphabet charts for reference (individual A4 sheets).
• Whiteboard and coloured pens.
• Coloured card with Urdu numbers 1-10 (laminated).
• Worksheets with name-writing templates in Urdu (including dotted scripts for tracing).
• Audio clips of numbers 1-10 in Urdu (played from a tablet or speaker).
• Individual mini whiteboards and pens for student practice.

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Greet the class in Urdu: "السلام علیکم" and encourage pupils to repeat.
• Briefly introduce Urdu as a language spoken in countries like Pakistan and parts of India, highlighting the cultural richness.
• Show the Urdu alphabet chart, pointing out unique features (right-to-left writing, joined letters).

2. Writing Names in Urdu (15 minutes)

• Demonstration: On the whiteboard, write a few example names in Urdu (e.g., “Ali”, “Sara”), emphasising letter shapes and stroke order.
• Activity: Hand out worksheets with dotted Urdu scripts for individual names based on a pre-lesson survey of student names (or allow students to choose from simplified versions).
• Circulate and support handwriting formation, reminding pupils of right-to-left directionality.
• Extension: Those confident can attempt writing their name without tracing.

3. Numbers 1-10 Introduction (5 minutes)

• Play an audio clip of numbers 1-10 in Urdu, encouraging pupils to listen and repeat aloud.
• Show the laminated Urdu number cards and match them to spoken numbers in class.
• Write the Urdu numerals on the board, emphasising pronunciation and script.

4. Practice Writing Numbers (10 minutes)

• Pupils use mini whiteboards to practise writing numbers 1-10 in Urdu, guided by teacher modelling each number.
• Pair pupils up to quiz each other orally on the Urdu numbers, encouraging verbal repetition to cement pronunciation.

5. Plenary and Cultural Reflection (5 minutes)

• Review key learning: Ask individuals to show their names or numbers in Urdu and say them aloud.
• Discuss briefly the importance of learning new scripts and how it connects to understanding diverse cultures.
• Introduce an optional challenge for home: try writing family member names in Urdu or practising numbers using an online resource or app recommended by the teacher.

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Differentiation

• Provide alphabet stickers for pupils needing additional support to assemble their names.
• Challenge advanced learners to write simple phrases combining numbers and names, e.g., “Ali has three apples” using Urdu script components introduced.
• Use peer support in pairing activities.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation of handwriting accuracy and pronunciation during paired activities.
• Quiz and oral recall to check recognition of Urdu numbers.
• Exit ticket: pupils write their names and favorite number in Urdu on a post-it note as they leave.

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Cross-Curricular Opportunities

• Geography: Locate Urdu-speaking countries on a world map.
• Art: Create decorative nameplates in Urdu script.
• Computing: Use educational apps to reinforce Urdu script and number learning.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Prepare name templates in Urdu in advance to save time during the lesson.
• Encourage respectful curiosity about other languages and scripts to embed global citizenship.
• Incorporate non-verbal gestures (e.g., hand movements to indicate right-to-left writing) to aid kinaesthetic learners.

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This lesson ensures pupils not only learn how to write their names and numbers in Urdu, but also engage with the language’s unique linguistic features and cultural context, enlivening the KS2 MFL journey with authentic, memorable learning.