Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before the lesson, prepare number flashcards (0-8), charts showing numbers with corresponding objects, a collection of bottle tops or other small counters, and plenty of paper and crayons. The central idea for pupils is to recognise numbers 0-8, count objects up to 8, and attempt to draw a simple triangle. Successful learning will be observed when pupils can point to numbers, count objects, and make attempts at drawing the shape.
Class: Pre-School Level 1
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 2 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Numeracy
Curriculum Theme: Numeracy
Previous Lesson: Counting Numbers 0-5 and identifying circles.
Topic: NUMBERS: 0 – 8
Subject Matter: NUMBERS: 0 – 8; Reading Numbers: 0 – 8; Recognition of Numbers: 0 – 8; Counting objects: 1 – 8; Scribbling; Drawing a Triangle. Weekly focus: Numbers 0-8: Counting and Drawing a Triangle.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify and recognise numerals 0-8.
- Read numbers 0-8 when shown.
Affective Domain
- Participate actively in counting activities.
- Show interest in learning numbers and shapes.
Psychomotor Domain
- Count up to 8 objects correctly.
- Make scribbles on paper.
- Attempt to draw a simple triangle.
Social Domain
- Take turns during counting games.
- Share materials like crayons.
Reference Materials
NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 1; Early Childhood Care and Education resources.Instructional Materials
Charts showing numbers 0-8 with corresponding pictures, MP4 Player, Flash cards (0-8), Bottle tops, Counters (e.g., small stones, beads), Number cards, Paper, Crayons, Pictures of triangles.Rationale for the Lesson
Learning to count and recognise numbers 0-8 helps young children understand quantities in their everyday environment, like counting fingers or toys. Introducing shapes like the triangle develops their visual discrimination and pre-writing skills, which are crucial for early mathematical and artistic development.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can identify some familiar numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3) and simple shapes like a circle. They can also count a few objects.Lesson Content/Board Summary
NUMBERS: 0 – 8 and Drawing a Triangle
Numbers 0-8: Recognition and Counting
Zero (0): Means nothing. (Show an empty hand or an empty plate)
One (1): One object. (Show 1 finger, 1 bottle top)
Two (2): Two objects. (Show 2 fingers, 2 bottle tops)
Three (3): Three objects. (Show 3 fingers, 3 bottle tops)
Four (4): Four objects. (Show 4 fingers, 4 bottle tops)
Five (5): Five objects. (Show 5 fingers, 5 bottle tops)
Six (6): Six objects. (Show 6 fingers, 6 bottle tops)
Seven (7): Seven objects. (Show 7 fingers, 7 bottle tops)
Eight (8): Eight objects. (Show 8 fingers, 8 bottle tops)
We count by saying the number names and touching each object one by one.
Counting Rhyme (0-8)
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Lyrics:
Zero, nothing, empty hand,
One, two, three, across the land.
Four, five, six, let’s all count more,
Seven, eight, up to the door.
Numbers big and numbers small,
We can count them, one and all!
Actions: Show empty hand for zero, hold up fingers for each number, clap hands for “one and all.”
Watch and Count Along!
Scribbling
Scribbling is making free lines and shapes on paper. It helps your hand get ready to write and draw. You can make circles, lines, or just happy marks!
Drawing a Triangle
A triangle is a shape with:
- Three straight sides
- Three corners
It looks like a small mountain or a slice of pizza!
Watch and Learn About Triangles!
Key Words
- Number – a word or symbol that tells you how many.
- Count – to say numbers in order while touching objects.
- Triangle – a shape with three straight sides and three corners.
- Scribble – to draw free lines or marks.
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Introduce numbers 0-8 one by one using large flashcards and charts. For each number, say its name clearly and show the corresponding quantity using fingers and concrete objects like bottle tops. Emphasise “zero” as representing “nothing.” For scribbling, encourage free expression. For the triangle, show a clear picture, point to its three sides and three corners, and demonstrate drawing it on the board using simple, connected lines.
What to show or demonstrate: Display number flashcards (0-8) and charts. Show an empty hand for zero. Demonstrate counting out bottle tops or other counters for each number. Draw a large, simple triangle on the board, explaining “side, side, side” and “corner, corner, corner.” Demonstrate free scribbling on a piece of paper.
How to use the rhyme/song: Sing the “Counting Rhyme” several times with the pupils, encouraging them to do the actions (showing fingers, clapping). Make it fun and repetitive to reinforce number recognition and order.
How to use the video: Introduce the first video as “Let’s watch and count with the children!” After watching, ask pupils to repeat the numbers they heard. Introduce the second video as “Let’s learn about the triangle shape!” After watching, ask pupils to try and make a triangle shape with their fingers in the air.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils can correctly identify numbers when shown, if they can count objects one-to-one, and if they attempt to draw a shape with three distinct lines for the triangle. Provide individual support for those struggling with number recognition or fine motor skills.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Play-based Learning, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Songs and Rhymes, Picture Talk, Question and Answer, Manipulation of Objects, Repetition, Practical Activity.Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Greeting/Engaging
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and leads a short “Good Morning” song. The teacher asks pupils what numbers they already know and if they remember any shapes.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, sing along, and mention numbers or shapes they know.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and recall previous knowledge.
Step 2: Introducing Numbers 0-8
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Recognition/Naming
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows large flashcards of numbers 0-8 one by one, saying each number name clearly. The teacher uses a chart with pictures to show quantities for each number (e.g., 3 apples for ‘3’). For ‘0’, the teacher shows an empty hand.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the flashcards and charts, listen to the teacher, and repeat the number names after the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils recognise and say numbers 0-8.
Step 3: Counting Objects 1-8
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: One-to-one Correspondence
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes bottle tops or other counters to small groups. The teacher demonstrates counting 1-8 objects, touching each one as they count. The teacher then guides pupils to count their own objects.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the teacher, then count out their bottle tops or fingers from 1 to 8, touching each object as they count.
Learning Point: Pupils practise counting objects with one-to-one correspondence.
Step 4: Counting Rhyme and Video
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Auditory/Kinesthetic Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in singing the “Counting Rhyme” with actions. The teacher then plays the counting video on the MP4 player and encourages pupils to count along.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the rhyme with actions and count along with the video.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce number recognition and counting through song and visual media.
Step 5: Introducing the Triangle and Scribbling
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Shape Recognition/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows a picture of a triangle and explains its features (three sides, three corners). The teacher then demonstrates how to draw a simple triangle on the board using three connected lines. The teacher also encourages pupils to make free scribbles on their paper.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the triangle picture, listen to the explanation, and watch the teacher draw. They then make free scribbles on their paper.
Learning Point: Pupils recognise a triangle and practise pre-writing skills through scribbling.
Step 6: Guided Drawing of a Triangle
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Fine Motor
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes paper and crayons. The teacher guides pupils to draw a triangle in the air first, then on their paper. The teacher walks around, providing individual help and encouragement. The teacher also plays the triangle video to reinforce the shape.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils draw triangles in the air, then attempt to draw triangles on their paper with crayons. They watch the triangle video.
Learning Point: Pupils practise drawing a triangle and develop fine motor skills.
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.
- Show me number ‘5’ from the flashcards.
- Count these 3 bottle tops for me.
- What shape did we draw today? (Show a picture of a triangle)
- Can you show me three fingers?
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/Closing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and summarises that they learned numbers 0-8 and how to draw a triangle. The teacher leads a short goodbye song.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and sing the goodbye song.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate learning and end the lesson positively.
Lesson Keywords
- Number – A symbol or word that tells us how many.
- Count – To say numbers in order while touching objects.
- Zero (0) – Means nothing or no quantity.
- Eight (8) – The number after seven.
- Triangle – A shape with three straight sides and three corners.
- Scribble – To make free, uncontrolled marks or lines on paper.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils struggling with number recognition, use larger flashcards and provide hand-over-hand guidance for counting objects. Focus on numbers 0-5 first. For drawing, provide pre-drawn dotted triangles for tracing.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the concepts, encourage them to find objects in the classroom that match numbers 0-8 (e.g., “Find 2 pencils”). Ask them to identify triangles in the classroom or draw another simple shape they know.
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