Exploring and Playing
Counting and estimating
Maths Reception
This unit is part of
Reception Longer Maths Blocks Understanding Number and
Reception Maths Planning Understanding Number
Active Learning
Creating and Thinking Critically
Maths Out Loud
Counting
Count around the circle from 1 to the number in the class. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5! The 5th child waves one hand, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10th child waves 2 hands, 11… 15, 15th child waves one hand, and so on. Repeat, starting at a different place in the circle.
On other occasions, count to 100 in unison with children using their fingers to match the units. Emphasise numbers ending in 0 and 5.
Chants/Rhymes/Songs
Ten Green Bottles – counting back from 10 to 0.
Story
Ten Little Dinosaurs or Ten Little Robots or Ten Little Pirates by Mike Brownlow.
Counting to ten then back again. How many dinosaurs will there be now? Point at numerals for children to recognise and say out loud. Count quickly on and back using the pages, then slowly, then in a high voice, then in a low voice
You Will Need
Exploring and Playing
Lego™ bricks or cubes; Post-its™; pens; wiggly snakes drawn on A3 paper; paint; brushes; water; big chalk or large paintbrushes with water; plastic cups; tweezers; variety of small counting objects e.g. shells, small stones, gems, small beads, etc.
Active Learning
Number cards 1-20; 20-bead bar; 4 different-sized boxes with lids; play figures or Lego™ figures; 3 plates; 35 fruit snacks of two different types; washing line.
Creating and Thinking Critically
5 plates; counting objects e.g. play- people, Lego™ bricks etc.; 5 cloths to cover the plates; number cards 5, 10 and 20 per pair; drum; beater; other percussion instruments; number cards 1-10; cubes; washing line; cardboard box; small soft toys.