Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before the lesson, ensure you have prepared number flashcards (0-10), a collection of small, safe objects like bottle tops or counters, and a large chart showing numbers 0-10. The central idea for pupils is to associate the numeral with the quantity it represents and to begin tracing the shape of number zero. Observe pupils’ ability to point to numbers, count objects one by one, and attempt to trace the circular shape of zero.
Class: Pre-School Level 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 2
Age: 2 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Numeracy
Curriculum Theme: Numeracy
Previous Lesson: Simple counting of familiar objects up to 5 and identifying basic shapes.
Topic: Numbers: 0 – 10
Subject Matter: Numbers 0-10: Reading, Counting, Recognition, and Tracing Number 0.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify and read numbers 0-10 when shown flashcards.
- Count up to 10 objects accurately.
- Recognise numbers 0-10 by pointing to them.
Affective Domain
- Participate actively in counting and number recognition activities.
- Show interest in learning about numbers.
Psychomotor Domain
- Trace the number 0 with their finger in the air and on paper.
- Manipulate objects to represent quantities from 0-10.
Social Domain
- Take turns when counting objects or identifying numbers.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 1
- Early Childhood Care and Education resources
Instructional Materials
- Number charts (0-10)
- Number flashcards (0-10)
- Small, safe counting objects (e.g., bottle tops, beads, small stones, counters)
- MP4 Player (for video)
- Worksheets or paper with large outlines of number 0 for tracing
- Pencils or crayons
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is crucial for Pre-School Level 1 pupils as it introduces foundational number concepts from 0 to 10, which are essential for developing mathematical understanding. Learning to count, recognise, and begin tracing numbers helps children make sense of quantities in their daily lives and prepares them for more advanced numeracy skills.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can identify and name a few familiar objects, and some may be able to count up to 3 or 5 objects by rote.Lesson Content/Board Summary
Numbers 0-10: Counting and Tracing Number 0
What are Numbers?
Numbers help us count how many things we have. We use numbers every day!Numbers from 0 to 10
0 – Zero (means nothing, no objects)
1 – One (one object)
2 – Two (two objects)
3 – Three (three objects)
4 – Four (four objects)
5 – Five (five objects)
6 – Six (six objects)
7 – Seven (seven objects)
8 – Eight (eight objects)
9 – Nine (nine objects)
10 – Ten (ten objects)
Counting Objects
We can count objects like bottle tops, stones, or fingers. When we count, we touch each object and say the number. Zero means no objects. If you have zero apples, you have no apples.Recognising Numbers
We can see numbers on flashcards and charts. Each number looks different. We learn to know them by looking at their shape.Tracing Number 0
Number 0 looks like a circle or an oval. We start at the top and go round and round until we meet the beginning.Counting Rhyme
Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
One, two, three, four, five,
Little fingers come alive.
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
Count them once, then count again.
Zero means no, no, no at all,
Let’s count our friends, big and small!
Actions: Pupils hold up fingers as they count, then shake hands for “zero” and point to friends for “big and small.”
Watch and Practise
Key Words
- Zero – means nothing or no quantity.
- Count – to say numbers in order while touching objects to find out how many there are.
- Trace – to draw over a line or shape.
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Use the number charts and flashcards to introduce each number from 0 to 10, saying the name clearly and having pupils repeat. Emphasise the concept of “zero” by showing an empty hand or container, then adding one object for “one,” two for “two,” and so on. For tracing number 0, demonstrate on the board first, using a large circle, then guide pupils to trace in the air.
What to show or demonstrate: Show flashcards for each number. Demonstrate counting by touching each bottle top/counter one by one. Show how to trace number 0 by starting at the top and drawing a continuous circle. Use an empty plate to show “zero” objects.
How to use the rhyme/song: Sing the “Counting Rhyme” together, encouraging pupils to do the actions. Repeat it several times to help them memorise the numbers and actions.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to learn and count numbers. Play the video on the MP4 player. Encourage pupils to count along with the video and repeat the numbers they hear. After watching, ask pupils to point to numbers on a chart or flashcard that they saw in the video.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are counting objects one-to-one (touching one object for each number said). Check their pencil grip and the direction of their tracing for number 0. Provide hand-over-hand guidance for tracing if needed, and gently correct if they are just scribbling.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Play-based Learning, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Songs and Rhymes, Manipulation of Objects, Repetition, Picture Talk, Question and Answer.Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Greeting
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and sings a short welcome song. The teacher then introduces the topic by showing a number chart (0-10) and asking, “What do we see here?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, sing along, and point to the numbers on the chart.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and introduced to the concept of numbers.
Step 2: Introduction to Numbers 0-10
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Naming/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows number flashcards (0-10) one by one, clearly saying each number name. The teacher asks pupils to repeat the names after her.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the flashcards and repeat the number names after the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils begin to recognise and say number names 0-10.
Step 3: Counting Objects 0-10
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Counting
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher places a pile of bottle tops or counters on the table. The teacher demonstrates counting from 0 (showing an empty hand) up to 10, touching each object as she counts. The teacher then guides pupils to count along with her.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher counting, then participate in counting the objects by touching them one by one with the teacher’s guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils practise one-to-one correspondence in counting objects up to 10.
Step 4: Number Recognition
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Matching/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lays out number flashcards 0-10. The teacher calls out a number (e.g., “Show me number 3!”) and asks pupils to point to the correct flashcard. The teacher also asks pupils to match a small group of objects to the correct number card.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils point to the correct number flashcard and match quantities of objects to the corresponding number cards.
Learning Point: Pupils develop visual recognition of numbers 0-10.
Step 5: Tracing Number 0
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Tracing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to trace number 0 in the air with her finger, saying “round and round.” The teacher then provides worksheets with large outlines of number 0 and guides pupils to trace it with their fingers, then with pencils or crayons.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils trace number 0 in the air, then on the worksheets with their fingers, and finally with pencils/crayons, following the teacher’s guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils develop fine motor skills and learn the formation of number 0.
Step 6: Rhyme and Video Reinforcement
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Auditory Learning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in singing the “Counting Rhyme” again with actions. The teacher then plays the educational video on counting numbers 0-10 on the MP4 player, encouraging pupils to watch and count along.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the rhyme with actions and watch the video, attempting to count along with the video’s instructions.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce number recognition and counting through song and visual media.
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.
- “Point to number 5 on the chart.”
- “Count these 3 bottle tops for me.”
- “What number is this?” (showing flashcard 0).
- “Show me how to trace number 0 in the air.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Recap/Praise
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises pupils for their participation and effort in learning numbers and tracing number 0. She reminds them to keep practising counting at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to praise and acknowledge the instruction to practice.
Learning Point: Pupils feel encouraged and motivated to continue learning.
Lesson Keywords
- Zero – the number that means nothing.
- Count – to say numbers in order to find out how many.
- Trace – to draw over an outline.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who are struggling, provide fewer objects to count (e.g., 1-5) initially. Use hand-over-hand guidance for tracing number 0. Provide larger number cards for easier recognition and more repetition of number names.
- Extension: For pupils who grasp the concepts quickly, encourage them to identify numbers in the classroom environment (e.g., on books, clocks) or to count objects beyond 10 if they are able, while still focusing on the 0-10 range.
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