Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, prepare a variety of small, countable objects (e.g., bottle tops, stones, counting sticks) and large number flashcards for 0-48. Ensure the counting chart is visible. The central idea is for pupils to correctly pronounce and orally count numbers from 0 to 48, and to count small groups of objects. Observe pupils as they repeat numbers and point to quantities, showing they can follow the count.
Class: Pre-School Level 2
Term: Third Term
Week: 7
Age: 3 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Numeracy
Curriculum Theme: Numeracy
Previous Lesson: Counting Numbers 0-40 with Objects and Songs
Topic: COUNTING NUMBERS 0-48 WITH OBJECTS, RHYMES AND SONGS
Subject Matter: Oral counting and number pronunciation from 0-48; counting familiar objects; number rhymes and songs.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Recognise and identify numbers 0-48 when shown.
- Orally count numbers from 0 to 48 with correct pronunciation.
- Count familiar objects in small groups (e.g., up to 20).
Affective Domain
- Participate actively in counting songs and rhymes.
- Show enjoyment while counting objects.
Psychomotor Domain
- Point to numbers on a chart or flashcard.
- Use their fingers and toes to count.
- Trace numbers in the air or on a surface.
Social Domain
- Take turns counting with peers.
- Listen respectfully while others count.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 2
- Early Childhood Care and Education Numeracy resources
- Counting charts and flashcards
Instructional Materials
- Learning stamps
- Number charts (0-48)
- MP4 Player/Tablet/Laptop for video
- Flash cards (0-48)
- Small, countable objects (e.g., bottle tops, stones, counting sticks, beads)
- Whiteboard/Chalkboard and markers/chalk
- Sand tray or large paper for tracing
Rationale for the Lesson
Learning to count numbers 0-48 is important for 3-year-olds as it builds a strong foundation for understanding quantity and number sequence. This skill helps them in everyday situations like knowing how many toys they have or how old they are, fostering early mathematical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can already recognise and count numbers from 0 to 40, and they enjoy singing counting songs.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
COUNTING NUMBERS 0-48 WITH OBJECTS, RHYMES AND SONGS
What are numbers?
Numbers tell us “how many” of something we have. We use them to count things.
Oral Counting 0-48
We say numbers one after another, starting from zero.
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48.
Counting Objects
We can count real things around us, like:
- Fingers and toes
- Pencils in a box
- Stones on the floor
- Chairs in the classroom
Counting Rhyme: “Count with Me to Ten”
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Lyrics:
One, two, three, let’s all see,
Four, five, six, count with me.
Seven, eight, nine, so much fun,
Ten, we’re done, everyone!
Now we know our numbers clear,
Let’s keep counting, year by year!
Actions: Pupils hold up fingers as they count, clap for “so much fun,” and point forward for “everyone.”
Watch and Practise Counting to 48
This video helps us practise counting numbers from 0 up to 50.
Key Words
- Count – to say numbers in order, to find out how many.
- Numbers – symbols or words that tell us how many.
- Zero – the number that means nothing, or no quantity.
- Forty-eight – the number after forty-seven.
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Start by leading pupils in oral counting from 0-10, then gradually extend to 48 using the number chart. Emphasize clear pronunciation. Use flashcards to show each number as you say it. For counting objects, start with small groups (e.g., 5-10) and then demonstrate counting larger groups (e.g., 15-20) to reinforce one-to-one correspondence. Discuss how to continue counting beyond 20, 30, 40 by following the patterns.
What to show or demonstrate: Display the number chart prominently. Show flashcards for numbers 0-48, pointing to each number as you say it. Demonstrate counting objects by touching each item as you say its number. Show pupils how to count their fingers and toes. Guide pupils to trace large numbers (e.g., 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 48) in the air, on a sand tray, or on large paper using their fingers for the “scribble” activity.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Count with Me to Ten” rhyme after practising oral counting up to 10. Sing it together several times with the suggested actions to make it engaging and memorable. Encourage pupils to join in the actions and singing.
How to use the video: Introduce the “Count to 50” video as a fun way to practise counting. Play the video and encourage pupils to sing along and point to the numbers as they appear. After watching, ask pupils to recall some of the numbers they saw and heard, reinforcing the oral count up to 48.
What to watch for: Observe pupils’ pronunciation of numbers, especially those beyond 20. Look for pupils who struggle with number recognition or one-to-one correspondence when counting objects. Provide extra support and repetition for these pupils.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Picture Talk (using number charts and flashcards)
- Question and Answer
- Manipulation of Objects
- Repetition
- Practical Activity
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Recall
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and leads them in singing a familiar counting song (e.g., “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe”). The teacher asks pupils what they remember about counting.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils greet the teacher, sing the song, and share what they know about counting numbers.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and recall previous counting knowledge.
Step 2: Oral Counting 0-10
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Modelling/Repetition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a number chart (0-10) and points to each number, saying it clearly. The teacher leads pupils in repeating numbers 0-10 several times, encouraging them to use their fingers to count along.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, repeat the numbers after the teacher, and count with their fingers.
Learning Point: Pupils practise oral counting and pronunciation for numbers 0-10.
Step 3: Object Counting 0-10
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher places small groups of objects (e.g., 3 stones, 5 bottle tops, 8 counting sticks) on a mat. The teacher demonstrates counting each group one-by-one, touching each object. The teacher then guides pupils to count similar small groups of objects.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher, then count objects by touching them and saying the numbers.
Learning Point: Pupils develop one-to-one correspondence when counting objects up to 10.
Step 4: Counting Rhyme/Song
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Musicality/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the “Count with Me to Ten” rhyme. The teacher sings the rhyme with actions, then encourages pupils to sing along and perform the actions together.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the rhyme, then sing along and perform the actions.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce counting 0-10 through a fun and interactive rhyme.
Step 5: Extending Oral Counting 11-48
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Expansion/Pattern Recognition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays the full number chart (0-48) or uses flashcards for numbers 11-48. The teacher leads pupils in oral counting from 11 up to 48, highlighting the patterns (e.g., “twenty-one, twenty-two,” “thirty-one, thirty-two”). The teacher asks pupils to find specific numbers on the chart.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, repeat the numbers after the teacher, and point to numbers on the chart or flashcards.
Learning Point: Pupils practise oral counting and number recognition up to 48.
Step 6: Video Reinforcement & Object Counting
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Learning/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher plays the “Count to 50 | Counting Song for Kids” video. After the video, the teacher provides pupils with more objects (e.g., up to 20 per pupil or in small groups) and asks them to count them. The teacher guides pupils to trace large numbers (e.g., 20, 30, 48) in the air or on a sand tray.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video and sing along. They then count their assigned objects and trace numbers as guided by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce counting skills through visual and practical activities, and practise early number formation.
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.
- “Can you count from 0 to 10 for me?”
- “Show me the number 25 on the chart.”
- “Count these 15 bottle tops.”
- “What number comes after 47?”
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: Summarising/Encouragement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises pupils for their participation and good counting. The teacher reminds them to keep practising counting at home with their parents using everyday objects.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s praise and acknowledge the home activity.
Learning Point: Pupils feel encouraged and understand the importance of continued practice.
Lesson Keywords
- Count – to say numbers in order.
- Numbers – symbols that show quantity.
- Forty-eight – the last number we counted today.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who find counting 0-48 challenging, focus on smaller number ranges (e.g., 0-20). Use larger number flashcards and more physical objects. Provide hand-over-hand guidance for tracing numbers. Repeat counting sequences slowly and frequently.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp counting 0-48, challenge them to count backwards from 10 to 0, or to count objects in slightly larger groups (e.g., up to 25). Ask them to identify numbers that come before or after a given number within the 0-48 range.
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