Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before the lesson, prepare number flashcards (1-5), picture cards showing groups of objects (1-5), and a variety of real objects like blocks or fruits for counting. Ensure your MP3/MP4 player is ready with the chosen number rhyme and video. The central idea is for pupils to begin associating number names with quantities through repetitive rhymes and actions. Observe if pupils can listen, repeat simple number words, and attempt the actions during the rhyme.
Class: Pre-School Level 1
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 2 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Numeracy
Curriculum Theme: Numeracy
Previous Lesson: Not separately stated in the scheme.
Topic: NUMBER RHYMES
Subject Matter: NUMBER RHYMES
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify numbers 1 to 5 when shown on flashcards.
- Say number names from 1 to 5.
Affective Domain
- Show enjoyment while reciting number rhymes.
- Listen attentively to the teacher and the rhyme.
Psychomotor Domain
- Perform simple actions associated with the number rhyme.
- Point to objects when counting from 1 to 5.
Social Domain
- Participate in group singing and movement activities.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 1
- Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources
Instructional Materials
- MP3 Player
- MP4 Player
- Number flashcards (1-5)
- Picture cards showing groups of objects (1-5, e.g., 1 sun, 2 balls, 3 flowers, 4 cars, 5 fingers)
- Real objects for counting (e.g., blocks, small toys, fruits, bottle tops)
Rationale for the Lesson
Number rhymes are a fun and engaging way for two-year-olds to begin developing early numeracy skills. They help children learn number names, develop counting readiness, and associate numbers with actions and quantities, laying a strong foundation for future mathematical understanding.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can listen to sounds, respond to simple instructions, and enjoy singing short songs.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
NUMBER RHYMES
Number rhymes are fun songs or chants that help us learn about numbers. They use words and actions to count things.
We will learn to say and show numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Key Words
- Number – a word or sign that tells us how many.
- Rhyme – a short song or chant with words that sound alike.
- Count – to say numbers in order to find out how many.
Counting Rhyme: Little Numbers Counting
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Lyrics:
One, one, one, touch your nose.
Two, two, two, wiggle your toes.
Three, three, three, clap with me.
Four, four, four, tap the floor.
Five, five, five, let’s all jive!
Actions:
- “One, one, one, touch your nose.” (Pupils touch their nose.)
- “Two, two, two, wiggle your toes.” (Pupils wiggle their toes or feet.)
- “Three, three, three, clap with me.” (Pupils clap their hands three times.)
- “Four, four, four, tap the floor.” (Pupils gently tap the floor with their hands or feet.)
- “Five, five, five, let’s all jive!” (Pupils wiggle their bodies playfully.)
Watch and Practise Counting
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Introduce numbers 1-5 using large, clear flashcards. Say each number name clearly and slowly, encouraging pupils to repeat after you. Link the number to real objects or picture cards. Explain that number rhymes make learning numbers fun.
What to show or demonstrate: Hold up number flashcards (1-5) one by one, saying the number. Show corresponding picture cards or count real objects (e.g., “One block,” “Two blocks”). Clearly demonstrate each action for the “Little Numbers Counting” rhyme. Use exaggerated movements and a cheerful voice.
How to use the rhyme/song: Sing the “Little Numbers Counting” rhyme slowly at first, demonstrating the actions. Repeat the rhyme several times, encouraging pupils to join in with the words and actions. Gradually increase the pace as pupils become more familiar with it. Emphasize the number words as they are sung.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to count numbers. Play the video on the MP4 player. Encourage pupils to watch, listen, and try to sing along or do the actions they see. After the video, ask simple questions like “What number did you see?” or “Can you show me one finger?”
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are listening, attempting to repeat number words, and trying to perform the actions. Provide gentle encouragement and support to those who are shy or struggling.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Picture Talk
- Repetition
- Manipulation of Objects
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Greeting/Engaging
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and leads them in a short “Good Morning” song to get them settled and ready for the lesson. The teacher asks, “Who likes to sing?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and sing along with the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils are settled and engaged for the lesson.
Step 2: Presentation (Introducing Numbers)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Naming
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows number flashcards (1-5) one by one, saying each number clearly. The teacher then shows picture cards with corresponding quantities and counts real objects, emphasizing the number name. “Look, this is number ONE. One apple.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the flashcards and objects, listen to the teacher, and attempt to repeat the number names.
Learning Point: Pupils begin to recognise and say numbers 1-5.
Step 3: Demonstration (Rhyme Introduction)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Modelling/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the “Little Numbers Counting” rhyme, explaining that it helps them learn numbers with fun actions. The teacher sings the rhyme once, clearly demonstrating all the actions for each number.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch and listen to the teacher singing and performing the actions.
Learning Point: Pupils observe how to recite the number rhyme with actions.
Step 4: Guided Practice (Reciting Rhyme)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Repetition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads the pupils in reciting the “Little Numbers Counting” rhyme together, guiding them through the actions. The teacher repeats the rhyme several times, encouraging more participation.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to sing the rhyme and perform the actions along with the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils practise saying number names and associating them with actions.
Step 5: Reinforcement (Counting Objects)
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher brings out a basket of real objects (e.g., blocks, small toys). The teacher asks pupils to count along as they pick out 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 objects, linking it back to the numbers in the rhyme.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch, listen, and count along with the teacher, perhaps pointing to the objects.
Learning Point: Pupils connect abstract numbers to concrete quantities.
Step 6: Application (Video & Movement)
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Aid/Engagement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher plays the verified YouTube video “Counting to 5 – Number Song” on the MP4 player. The teacher encourages pupils to watch, listen, and move along to the song, repeating the numbers they hear.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video, listen to the song, and attempt to sing or move along.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce number recognition and counting through visual and auditory stimulation.
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 show me ONE finger?”
- “What number is this?” (Teacher shows number flashcard 3).
- “Let’s sing our ‘Little Numbers Counting’ rhyme one more time!”
- “Point to two blocks.” (Teacher places 2-3 blocks on the table).
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: Summarizing/Praising
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and effort in learning numbers and singing the rhyme. The teacher reminds them that counting is fun and they will keep practising.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the teacher and respond to praise.
Learning Point: Pupils feel encouraged and motivated to continue learning.
Lesson Keywords
- Number – A word or sign that tells us how many.
- Rhyme – A short song or chant with words that sound alike.
- Count – To say numbers in order to find out how many.
- One – The first number.
- Two – The number after one.
- Three – The number after two.
- Four – The number after three.
- Five – The number after four.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide more one-on-one repetition of number names and actions. Use larger, more tactile objects for counting. Provide hand-over-hand guidance for actions.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the concept, encourage them to count familiar objects around the classroom (e.g., “How many chairs?”, “How many windows?”), still within the 1-5 range.
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