Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Before this lesson, prepare flashcards with standard numerals (1-30) and corresponding Roman numerals (I-XXX). Also, have a large chart showing Roman numerals 1-30 clearly. The central idea for pupils is to recognise basic Roman numerals (I, V, X) and understand how they combine to form other numbers up to 30. Observe if pupils can correctly match standard numbers to Roman numerals and attempt to build simple combinations.

Class: Pre-School Level 4
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 5 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Numeracy
Curriculum Theme: Numeracy
Previous Lesson: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Topic: ROMAN NUMERALS 1-30: BUILDING AND MATCHING NUMERALS
Subject Matter: ROMAN NUMERALS – Building Roman Numerals 1 – 30 = i – xxx. Weekly focus: Roman Numerals 1-30: Building and Matching Numerals.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

Identify the Roman numerals I, V, and X.
Recognise Roman numerals from 1 to 30 on flashcards and charts.
State some key Roman numerals like V, X, XV, XX, XXV, XXX.

Affective Domain

Show interest in learning new ways to write numbers.
Participate actively in matching and building Roman numerals.

Psychomotor Domain

Match standard numbers (1-30) to their corresponding Roman numerals.
Attempt to build simple Roman numerals (e.g., II, III, XI, XII) using number cards or by writing.

Take turns when playing matching games with Roman numeral cards.

Reference Materials

NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 4 Numeracy.
Early Childhood Care and Education Numeracy resources.
Relevant early-years numeracy workbooks.

Instructional Materials

Large chart displaying Roman numerals 1-30.
Flashcards with standard numerals (1-30).
Flashcards with Roman numerals (I-XXX).
Small whiteboards or slates and markers for pupils.
Counters or small sticks to represent ‘I’.

Rationale for the Lesson

Learning Roman numerals introduces children to a different number system, broadening their understanding of how numbers can be represented. This lesson helps develop number recognition, pattern identification, and matching skills, which are foundational for more complex mathematical concepts in the future.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils can count and recognise standard numerals from 1 to 30. They are also familiar with simple number patterns.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

ROMAN NUMERALS 1-30: BUILDING AND MATCHING NUMERALS

Roman numerals are a special way to write numbers using letters. We use letters like I, V, and X.

Basic Roman Numerals:

I = 1
V = 5
X = 10

Building Roman Numerals (1-10):

1 = I
2 = II (I + I)
3 = III (I + I + I)
4 = IV (One before Five)
5 = V
6 = VI (Five and One)
7 = VII (Five and Two)
8 = VIII (Five and Three)
9 = IX (One before Ten)
10 = X

Building Roman Numerals (11-30):

We combine X (10) with other Roman numerals.

11 = XI (10 + 1)
12 = XII (10 + 2)
13 = XIII (10 + 3)
14 = XIV (10 + 4)
15 = XV (10 + 5)
16 = XVI (10 + 6)
17 = XVII (10 + 7)
18 = XVIII (10 + 8)
19 = XIX (10 + 9)
20 = XX (10 + 10)
21 = XXI (10 + 10 + 1)
25 = XXV (10 + 10 + 5)
30 = XXX (10 + 10 + 10)

Key Roman Numerals to Remember:

1 = I
5 = V
10 = X
15 = XV
20 = XX
25 = XXV
30 = XXX

Roman Numeral Rhyme

Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Lyrics:

I is one, V is five,
X is ten, so much alive.
See them make new numbers bright,
Roman numerals, what a sight!
One and two and three we write,
I, II, III, with all our might!

Actions: Point up for I, make a V shape with fingers for V, cross arms for X. Count fingers for I, II, III.

Watch and Learn Roman Numerals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0f-E436k84

Key Words

Roman Numerals – A special way to write numbers using letters like I, V, X.
Build – To put together letters to make a new Roman numeral.
Match – To find the correct Roman numeral for a standard number.

💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary

How to teach the content: Introduce Roman numerals as an old way of writing numbers. Begin by showing flashcards for I, V, X. Explain that ‘I’ is like one stick. Demonstrate how to build II (two sticks) and III (three sticks). Then introduce V and explain IV (one before V) and VI (V and one). Do the same for X, IX, and XI. Emphasise the pattern of adding ‘I’ after V or X, and placing ‘I’ before V or X for 4 and 9. Progress to building numbers like XI, XII, XIII, and then XX, XXI, XXV, XXX. Use the large chart to point out the numbers 1-30.

What to show or demonstrate: Use flashcards for I, V, X, and then for combinations like II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, IX, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XX, XXV, XXX. Point to the corresponding numbers on the large chart. Use small sticks or counters to physically represent I, II, III to make it concrete.

How to use the rhyme/song: Sing the “Roman Numeral Rhyme” together twice or thrice, encouraging pupils to do the actions. This helps reinforce the basic I, V, X and the idea of building numbers.

How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to see Roman numerals being built. Play the video “Roman Numerals 1 to 30 | Learn Roman Numerals for Kids”. After watching, ask pupils to recall some Roman numerals they saw and practise saying them aloud.

What to watch for: Observe if pupils understand the concept of I, V, X and how they combine. Pay attention to common confusions like IV vs VI, and IX vs XI. Encourage repetition and visual recognition.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Play-based Learning
Demonstration
Guided Practice
Songs and Rhymes
Picture Talk
Question and Answer
Manipulation of Objects
Repetition

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engagement/Recall

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to count from 1 to 10. The teacher then introduces the idea of different ways to write numbers, like Roman numerals, showing a flashcard with ‘I’.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils greet the teacher and count from 1 to 10. They observe the flashcard.

Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of Roman numerals.

Step 2: Introduction to Basic Roman Numerals (I, V, X)

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Recognition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows flashcards for I, V, and X, saying their values (one, five, ten). The teacher explains that these are the main letters we use. The teacher also shows the large chart of Roman numerals 1-30.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils repeat the names and values of I, V, X. They look at the chart.

Learning Point: Pupils recognise and state the values of I, V, and X.

Step 3: Building Roman Numerals 1-10

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to build numbers from 1-10 using flashcards or by writing on the board (e.g., I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X). The teacher explains the simple rules (add I for 2 and 3, I before V for 4, I after V for 6, 7, 8, I before X for 9).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration and try to say the Roman numerals as they are built. They may use small sticks to make I, II, III.

Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic principles of building Roman numerals from 1-10.

Step 4: Building Roman Numerals 11-30

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that after X (10), we add more numbers. The teacher demonstrates building XI (10+1), XII (10+2), XV (10+5), XX (10+10), XXV (10+10+5), and XXX (10+10+10). The teacher points these out on the chart.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch and listen, repeating the Roman numerals as the teacher builds them.

Learning Point: Pupils see how to combine X with other Roman numerals to make numbers up to 30.

Step 5: Reinforcement with Rhyme and Key Numbers

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Repetition/Memorisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in singing the “Roman Numeral Rhyme” with actions. The teacher then highlights and repeats the key Roman numerals (I, V, X, XV, XX, XXV, XXX) using flashcards, encouraging pupils to memorise them.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the rhyme with actions. They repeat the key Roman numerals after the teacher.

Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their memory of basic Roman numerals and key combinations.

Step 6: Matching Activity

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Practical Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher holds up a standard number flashcard (e.g., 5) and asks pupils to find the matching Roman numeral flashcard (V). The teacher repeats this for several numbers within the 1-30 range, focusing on the key numbers and simple combinations.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and point to or pick up the correct Roman numeral flashcard that matches the standard number shown by the teacher.

Learning Point: Pupils practise matching standard numbers to Roman numerals.

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 is this Roman numeral? (Show ‘V’)
What is this Roman numeral? (Show ‘X’)
Match the number 15 to its Roman numeral. (Show ’15’ flashcard and ask pupils to find ‘XV’)
Show me how to write 3 in Roman numerals.

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: Summarisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and reminds them that Roman numerals are a fun way to see numbers. The teacher encourages them to look for Roman numerals in books or clocks at home. The teacher assigns a simple task like drawing I, V, X.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and acknowledge. They prepare for the next activity.

Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged to observe Roman numerals in their environment.

Lesson Keywords

Roman Numerals – An ancient system of writing numbers using letters.
I – Represents the number one.
V – Represents the number five.
X – Represents the number ten.
Build – To form a Roman numeral by combining letters.
Match – To pair a standard number with its correct Roman numeral.

Differentiation

Support: For pupils who are struggling, focus mainly on Roman numerals 1-10 (I, V, X, II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, IX). Provide larger flashcards and more one-on-one guided practice for matching. Use physical objects like sticks to represent ‘I’ for building.
Extension: For pupils who grasp the concept quickly, challenge them to identify patterns (e.g., how numbers ending in 4 or 9 are formed). Ask them to identify Roman numerals for numbers like 24 (XXIV) or 29 (XXIX) from the chart, explaining their structure.