Joining sets and adding within 10 for Primary 1

Class: Primary 1
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 6 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Mathematics
Curriculum Theme: Basic Operations
Focal competence: Adding whole numbers with sum not exceeding 40 without renaming
Key competencies/values: Critical Thinking; Information Literacy
Skills:

• Sorting of numbers
• Grouping of numbers

Previous Lesson: Comparing and ordering quantities
Topic: Addition
Subject Matter: Joining sets, adding within 10

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define addition as putting groups together.
• Identify the addition (+) and equals (=) signs.
• Solve simple addition problems by combining objects or pictures within 10.

Affective Domain

• Show interest in learning addition.
• Participate actively in practical addition tasks.

Psychomotor Domain

• Join concrete sets of objects to find their total.
• Write simple addition number sentences.

Social Domain

• Work cooperatively with peers during group activities involving addition.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Primary 1 Mathematics textbook
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Counters
• Sticks or bottle tops
• Number cards
• Number line
• Whiteboard and markers/chalk
• Pictures of objects (e.g., fruits, animals)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is foundational for developing pupils’ understanding of basic arithmetic. Learning to join sets and add within 10 provides the essential building blocks for more complex mathematical operations. It helps pupils develop number sense and problem-solving skills in everyday contexts.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should be able to count numbers from 1 to 10 and recognise number symbols.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Addition: Joining Sets and Adding Within 10

Meaning of Addition

Addition means putting groups of things together to find the total number of things. It is like counting all the items when you combine them.

Addition Sign (+) and Equals Sign (=)

The addition sign is +. We say “plus” or “and” for this sign. It tells us to put things together.

The equals sign is =. We say “equals” or “is equal to” for this sign. It shows us the total or answer after putting things together.

Combining Objects and Writing Number Sentences

When we join groups of objects, we can write a number sentence to show the addition.

For example, if you have 3 apples and you get 2 more apples, you put them together to find the total.

3 apples + 2 apples = 5 apples

Worked Examples of Addition

We can use counters or pictures to add numbers. Remember to count all the items after joining them.

Example 1

Question: Add 4 and 3.

Solution:

Step 1: Count out 4 counters.

OOOO

Step 2: Count out 3 more counters.

OOO

Step 3: Put all the counters together and count them.

OOOOOOO

Answer: ( 4 + 3 = 7 )

Example 2

Question: What is 5 plus 2?

Solution:

Step 1: Draw 5 circles.

O O O O O

Step 2: Draw 2 more circles.

O O

Step 3: Count all the circles together.

O O O O O O O

Answer: ( 5 + 2 = 7 )

Simple Addition Word Problems

Word problems tell us a story where we need to add numbers to find the answer.

1. Musa has 6 pencils. His friend gives him 2 more pencils. How many pencils does Musa have altogether?
2. There are 3 birds on a tree. 4 more birds fly to the tree. How many birds are on the tree now?

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Individual Practice, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Recalling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and starts by asking them to count some objects in the classroom, e.g., “How many windows do we have?” or “How many pupils are wearing red shirts?” The teacher then introduces the idea of putting things together.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions by counting objects and participating in the discussion.

Learning Point: Counting objects

Step 2: Meaning of Addition

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses counters to demonstrate the meaning of addition. For example, “I have 3 counters here (shows 3). Now I add 2 more counters (shows 2 more). When I put them together, how many do I have?” The teacher explains that putting things together is called addition.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration and count the total number of counters.

Learning Point: Meaning of addition

Step 3: Addition and Equals Signs

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Introduction/Identification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the addition (+) and equals (=) signs, writing them clearly on the board. The teacher explains what each sign means and how they are used in a number sentence.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the signs and repeat their names and meanings after the teacher.

Learning Point: Addition and equals signs

Step 4: Combining Objects and Writing Number Sentences

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to combine various sets of concrete objects (e.g., 4 sticks and 3 sticks) and write the corresponding number sentences on the board. “Let’s put 4 sticks and 3 sticks together. How many do we have? Now let’s write it: 4 + 3 = 7.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils use their own counters/sticks to join sets and practice writing simple addition sentences on their slates or in the air.

Learning Point: Joining sets for addition

Step 5: Guided Practice with Pictures

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Visual Learning/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher draws simple pictures on the board (e.g., 5 balls + 2 balls) or uses picture cards. Pupils are asked to count the objects in each group, combine them, and state the total. The teacher writes the number sentence.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils count the pictures, say the total, and practice writing the number sentences.

Learning Point: Solving addition problems

Step 6: Simple Addition Word Problems

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Problem Solving/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents simple addition word problems (e.g., “Joy has 3 oranges. Her mother gives her 4 more. How many oranges does Joy have now?”). The teacher guides pupils to identify the numbers to be added and solve the problem using counters if needed.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the word problems, identify the numbers, and attempt to solve them with guidance.

Learning Point: Solving word problems

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What does it mean to add?
2. What is this sign called (+)?
3. Join 5 counters and 3 counters. How many do you have?
4. Write a number sentence for 2 plus 6.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding addition concepts

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to copy the essential Board Summary notes on joining sets and adding within 10 into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reminding pupils that addition is about putting things together to find a total and encourages them to practice adding objects at home.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and acknowledge the summary.

Learning Point: Reinforcing addition skills

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Solve the following addition problems in your notebook:

1. ( 4 + 5 = ) _____
2. ( 2 + 7 = ) _____
3. ( 6 + 3 = ) _____
4. Draw pictures to show ( 3 + 4 = ) _____
5. There are 5 birds on a wire. 3 more birds join them. How many birds are there now?

Lesson Keywords

• Add – To put things together.
• Plus (+) – The sign for addition.
• Equals (=) – The sign that shows the answer.
• Join – To bring groups together.
• Total – The answer after adding.

Differentiation

For weaker learners: Provide more one-on-one guidance with concrete counters. Use a number line to help them count on. Focus on smaller sums (e.g., 1+1, 2+1) before moving to larger ones.

For faster learners: Challenge them with slightly more complex word problems or ask them to create their own simple addition stories. Introduce addition with three small numbers (e.g., 2+3+1).

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for: “Primary 1 addition joining sets” or “Basic addition for kids within 10”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have a good supply of various counters, sticks, or bottle tops for each pupil or group. Prepare some simple pictures for visual demonstration. Begin by activating prior knowledge of counting. Guide pupils through the meaning of addition, the signs, and practical combining of objects. Encourage active participation and hands-on manipulation of materials. Allow ample time for guided practice, both with concrete objects and pictures. When presenting word problems, read them clearly and help pupils visualise the scenario. During the evaluation, observe individual pupils to identify those who may need additional support. Pupils should copy the Board Summary notes into their notebooks after the main teaching and practice activities are completed, typically in Step 8. Provide immediate feedback and correction throughout the lesson to check understanding and address misconceptions.