Collected Resources

Counting

FLIPPY, FLOPPY FINGERS

• Take a number, e.g. 4, off the pegged number line. Say the number together. Four. Say: Flippy, floppy, flippy, floppy, show me!
• Children show four fingers standing up. They must use both hands! E.g. 2 fingers standing up on one hand, and 2 on the other, or 1 standing on one hand and 3 on the other. They could show 4 and none.
• Ask: Who’s showing three and one? Those children stand up.
• Who’s showing two and two? Those children stand up.
• Who’s showing four and none? Those children stand up.
• Play again, using a different number, e.g. 3 or 5.

BIG FIVE

• Write 5 big on the board.
• Say a smaller number, e.g. two. Children must show you how many fingers go with two to make 5.
• Repeat, saying a different number.
• Rehearse all combinations.
• Can be repeated for BIG FOUR or BIG SIX.

Chants/Rhymes/Songs

Recite the rhyme Peas in a Pod, matching to 1 finger, 2 fingers, etc. until the pea pod pops (see resources).

Story

Five Creatures by Emily Jenkins. This story lends itself well to partitioning five.

Counting

Pair up children and give them a number to hold. Make sure that each pair has a different number up to 12 or 13 or 14 or 15, depending on the size of your class.

Count slowly to 20 together. When each number is said the pair holding it must stand up! If they miss their number, they must stay seated.

The first time you do this, some pairs will forget to stand at the right time. Practise until everyone can do it perfectly!

Ask questions: Which number comes before your number? Which number comes after your number?

Chants/Rhymes/Songs

Five Currant Buns (see resources).

Sing and act out this rhyme and continue until no currant buns are left in the baker’s shop.

Story

10 Black Dots by Donald Crews.