Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before the lesson, gather a variety of colourful counting objects like bottle tops, beads, small blocks, or sticks. The central idea for pupils is to understand that addition means “putting groups of things together” to find a new total. Ensure children actively manipulate objects in their hands. Successful learning will be observed when pupils can physically combine two groups of objects and correctly count the total number.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: Third Term
Week: 3
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Numeracy
Curriculum Theme: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Previous Lesson: Counting and identifying numbers up to 10.
Topic: ADDITION OF ONE-DIGIT NUMBERS WITH OBJECTS
Subject Matter: Concept of addition, Addition of one-digit numbers with objects.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Explain addition as putting groups together.
- Count two separate groups of objects.
- Count the total number of objects after putting them together.
- State the sum of two one-digit numbers when using objects.
Affective Domain
- Pay attention and follow the teacher’s demonstrations.
- Show interest in learning addition through play.
- Participate enthusiastically in counting and addition activities.
Psychomotor Domain
- Manipulate counting objects to form groups.
- Physically put together different sets of objects.
- Demonstrate simple addition using concrete materials.
Social Domain
- Take turns when sharing objects or demonstrating addition.
- Work cooperatively during group activities involving counting objects.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3.
- Early Childhood Care and Education Numeracy resources.
- Relevant early-years numeracy workbooks.
Instructional Materials
- Counting objects: bottle tops, beads, small blocks, sticks, pencils, crayons, small fruits (e.g., oranges, garden eggs).
- Number cards (0-10).
- Picture cards showing groups of objects.
- Whiteboard or chalkboard.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson introduces the fundamental concept of addition in a concrete and practical way, which is crucial for building a strong mathematical foundation. By using familiar objects, pupils can physically experience “putting together” and understand what addition truly means, connecting it to their everyday experiences of combining items. This hands-on approach supports cognitive development and prepares them for more abstract mathematical concepts later on.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can count objects up to 10, recognise numbers 1-10, and identify different quantities of objects.Lesson Content/Board Summary
ADDITION OF ONE-DIGIT NUMBERS WITH OBJECTS
Addition means putting groups of things together to find out how many there are altogether. It is like joining two groups to make one bigger group. We use a special sign for addition: + (plus sign). We use another sign to show the total: = (equals sign).How to Add with Objects:
- Count the objects in the first group.
- Count the objects in the second group.
- Put both groups of objects together.
- Count all the objects in the new, bigger group to find the total.
Examples of Addition with Objects:
- Example 1:
- 2 balls and 1 ball.
- Put them together: 2 + 1 = 3 balls altogether.
- Example 2:
- 3 pencils and 2 pencils.
- Put them together: 3 + 2 = 5 pencils altogether.
- Example 3:
- 4 oranges and 6 oranges.
- Put them together: 4 + 6 = 10 oranges altogether.
Key Words
- Addition – putting groups together.
- Plus (+) – the sign we use for addition.
- Equals (=) – the sign we use to show the total.
- Total/Sum – how many altogether.
Our Addition Song
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Lyrics:
One little, two little, objects bright,
Put them together with all our might.
Count them up, one by one,
Addition is so much fun!
Plus sign, equals sign, we now know,
Making numbers grow and grow!
Actions: Hold up fingers for numbers, bring hands together for “put them together,” count fingers for total, make plus and equals signs in the air.
Watch and Learn About Addition
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Begin by orally explaining addition as “putting together.” Use real objects for every example. Show two small groups, count each, then physically push them together and count the new total. Write the corresponding number sentence (e.g., 2 + 1 = 3) on the board after the physical demonstration. Emphasize the ‘+’ and ‘=’ signs. Start with simple sums (e.g., 2+1) and gradually move to slightly larger ones like 4+6=10 as in the seed.
What to show or demonstrate: Display a variety of counting objects. Demonstrate each addition example clearly, first with concrete objects, then by writing the number sentence on the board. Use number cards to represent the quantities if available.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Our Addition Song” after demonstrating a few examples. Sing it together with the pupils, encouraging them to perform the actions. Repeat the song several times throughout the lesson to reinforce the concept and make it fun.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to see more examples of addition. After watching, ask pupils to recall what they saw and what addition means. Encourage them to practice counting and putting objects together just like in the video.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are able to correctly count the objects in each group and then accurately count the combined total. Watch for any confusion between counting separate groups and counting the final combined group. Correct any miscounting gently and provide individual support as needed.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Manipulation of Objects
- Songs and Rhymes
- Question and Answer
- Picture Talk
- Repetition
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Greeting/Engagement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and leads them in a quick counting warm-up, asking them to count their fingers and toes, or objects around the classroom. The teacher then tells them they will learn a fun new way to put numbers together today.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, participate in counting, and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and ready to learn.
Step 2: Explanation and Demonstration (Concrete)
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of addition using real objects. “Today, we will learn about ADDITION! Addition means putting things together. Let’s try!” The teacher places 2 pencils on one side and 1 pencil on the other. “Here are 2 pencils, and here is 1 pencil. Let’s put them together!” (Teacher physically pushes the groups together). “Now, let’s count them all: 1, 2, 3! We have 3 pencils altogether! So, 2 pencils and 1 pencil make 3 pencils.” The teacher repeats with another example, e.g., 3 blocks and 2 blocks make 5 blocks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the teacher’s demonstration, listen to the explanation, and participate in counting the objects aloud.
Learning Point: Pupils understand addition as putting objects together.
Step 3: Guided Practice (Concrete)
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Observation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes counting objects to each pupil or small group. “Now, it’s your turn! Take 2 bottle tops, and then take 3 more bottle tops. Put them together and tell me how many you have altogether.” The teacher walks around, observes, and assists pupils as they manipulate their objects.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils take the specified number of objects, physically put them together, and count the total, showing their understanding.
Learning Point: Pupils practice adding one-digit numbers using concrete objects with guidance.
Step 4: Rhyme/Song Reinforcement
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Engagement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the “Our Addition Song” and leads the pupils in singing it with actions. The teacher encourages pupils to use their fingers or objects to count along with the song.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the addition song, perform the actions, and count along.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce the concept of addition through a fun, interactive song.
Step 5: Introducing Number Sentences
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Concept Introduction/Symbolism
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher revisits an earlier example (e.g., 2 pencils and 1 pencil make 3 pencils). “We can write this using special signs! The ‘plus’ sign (+) means ‘and’ or ‘put together’. The ‘equals’ sign (=) means ‘makes’ or ‘is the same as’.” The teacher writes 2 + 1 = 3 on the board, pointing to each part and relating it to the objects. The teacher then demonstrates 4 + 6 = 10 using objects and writes the number sentence.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher writing the number sentences and listen to the explanation of the plus and equals signs.
Learning Point: Pupils connect the concrete action of addition to its symbolic representation.
Step 6: Video Reinforcement and Application
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Learning/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the video, “Let’s watch a fun video that shows us more about putting numbers together!” After the short video, the teacher asks questions like, “What did you see in the video?” and “Can you show me an example of addition like in the video?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video attentively, then answer questions and try to demonstrate addition using their objects or fingers.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding of addition through visual examples and discussion.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4–5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- “What does addition mean?” (Encourage “putting together”).
- “Show me 3 sticks and 2 sticks. How many altogether?”
- “If I have 4 bottle tops and you give me 1 more, how many do I have?”
- “What is this sign called (+)? What about this one (=)?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing/Praise
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reiterating that addition is about putting things together to find the total. The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and good work. The teacher encourages them to practice adding objects at home with their parents.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and respond to praise.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and feel encouraged.
Lesson Keywords
- Addition – putting groups of things together to find the total.
- Plus (+) – the sign used for addition.
- Equals (=) – the sign used to show the total or sum.
- Total/Sum – the answer you get when you add numbers together.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who are struggling, provide larger, more easily manipulable objects. Start with very small sums (e.g., 1+1, 2+1) and give more one-on-one guidance, using hand-over-hand counting if necessary. Repeat demonstrations slowly and clearly.
- Extension: For pupils who grasp the concept quickly, challenge them with slightly larger one-digit sums (e.g., 5+4, 7+3) or ask them to create their own addition problems using objects and then state the number sentence. Encourage them to draw simple pictures to represent their addition problems.
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