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Numbers 0-17 Number Games, Writing Practice and Circles for Pre-School Level 1

Explore Numbers 0-17: Number Games, Writing Practice and Circles with Pre-School Level 1 pupils through clear teacher guidance, active participation and age-appropriate...

Royal AlikorByRoyal AlikorPublishedSep 4, 2026Reading8 minComments0

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Before the lesson, prepare number flashcards for 0-17, gather a variety of small objects for counting (e.g., bottle tops, stones), and have paper and crayons ready for tracing. The central idea is for pupils to begin recognizing numbers 0-17, practise counting with guidance, and identify the circle shape. Observe pupils actively pointing to numbers, attempting to count objects, and tracing circles to show successful learning.

Class: Pre-School Level 1
Term: Third Term
Week: 7
Age: 2 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Numeracy
Curriculum Theme: Numeracy
Previous Lesson: Identifying and counting numbers 0-10
Topic: NUMBERS: 0 – 17
Subject Matter: NUMBERS: 0 – 17; Reading Numbers: 0 – 17; Counting objects: 0 – 17; Recognition of Numbers: 0 – 17; Tracing and Writing: 0 – 4; Participating in Number Games; Shape Identification: Circle. Weekly focus: Numbers 0-17: Number Games, Writing Practice and Circles.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

  • Recognize numerals 0-17 when shown.
  • Count objects up to 17 with teacher’s guidance.
  • Identify the circle shape from a group of shapes or objects.

Affective Domain

  • Show interest in number games.
  • Participate actively in tracing activities.

Psychomotor Domain

  • Trace numbers 0-4 with guidance (finger tracing, air tracing, on paper).
  • Trace and colour circles.
  • Point to circular objects in the classroom.

Social Domain

  • Take turns during number games.
  • Share crayons and other materials with peers.

Reference Materials

  • NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 1
  • Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources

Instructional Materials

  • Number flash cards (0-17)
  • Small objects for counting (e.g., bottle tops, stones, beads)
  • MP4 Player (for video)
  • Pictures of circular objects (e.g., ball, plate, clock)
  • Paper with large numbers 0-4 for tracing
  • Paper with large circles for tracing and colouring
  • Crayons
  • Sand tray or flour for finger tracing (optional)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for 2-year-olds as it introduces them to a wider range of numbers (0-17) and the basic concept of counting, which are foundational for future mathematical understanding. Identifying the circle shape helps develop their visual discrimination and early geometry skills, connecting classroom learning to everyday objects around them.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils can identify some basic colours and shapes, and can count small groups of objects (e.g., up to 5) with teacher’s help.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Numbers 0-17: Number Games, Writing Practice and Circles

Numbers 0-17

  • Reading Numbers: We will look at number cards from 0 to 17 and say their names.
  • Counting Objects: We will count groups of objects like bottle tops, up to 17.
  • Recognition: We will point to numbers 0-17 when the teacher calls them out.

Tracing and Writing 0-4

  • We will practise tracing numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4.
  • We will use our fingers in the air, in sand, and then with crayons on paper.

Shape Identification: Circle

  • A circle is a round shape, like a ball or a plate.
  • We will look for circles in our classroom.
  • We will trace and colour circles.

Number Game: “Find the Number”

The teacher will hide number flashcards (0-17) around the classroom. Pupils will find a card and bring it to the teacher, saying the number.

Counting and Shape Rhyme

Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”

Lyrics:

One, two, three, four, five,
Numbers help us count alive.
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
Let’s count again and again.
Circle, circle, round and free,
Like a ball for you and me.

Actions: Count fingers for numbers, make a big circle with arms for “circle, circle, round and free,” pretend to bounce a ball for “like a ball.”

Watch and Practise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0zK4K-J87c

This video helps us see and hear numbers from 0 to 20. Watch how the train counts!

Key Words

  • Numbers – words or signs that tell us how many.
  • Count – to say numbers in order or find out how many.
  • Circle – a round shape, like a ring.
  • Trace – to draw over a line or shape.

💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary

How to teach the content: Begin by showing number flashcards 0-17 one by one, saying each number clearly and having pupils repeat. Then, use bottle tops or other counters for guided counting, starting with smaller groups and gradually increasing. For tracing 0-4, demonstrate large air tracing first, then finger tracing on a sand tray or flour, before moving to large print on paper. Introduce the circle by showing real circular objects and pictures. Emphasize the roundness.

What to show or demonstrate: Show each number flashcard (0-17). Demonstrate counting objects by moving them one by one. Model air tracing and finger tracing for numbers 0-4 and for circles. Point to circular objects in the classroom (e.g., clock, plate, wheel of a toy car).

How to use the rhyme/song: Sing the “Counting and Shape Rhyme” together, performing the actions. Repeat the rhyme 2-3 times to help pupils remember the numbers and the circle shape. Encourage pupils to do the actions with you.

How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to see and hear numbers. Play the video on the MP4 player. After watching, ask pupils to point to numbers they recognize on flashcards or count objects along with you, reinforcing what they saw in the video.

What to watch for: Observe if pupils are attempting to repeat the numbers, if they can point to specific numbers when asked, and if they show interest in tracing. For tracing, focus on the direction of movement rather than perfect formation at this age. Watch for pupils who struggle with number recognition beyond 5 and provide extra one-on-one guidance.

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/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and sings a simple “Hello” song. The teacher then introduces the day’s lesson by saying, “Today, we will play with numbers and learn about a round shape!”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greeting, sing along, and listen attentively.

Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and ready for the lesson.

Step 2: Number Recognition (0-17)

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Visual Recognition/Repetition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows number flashcards from 0 to 17 one by one, saying each number clearly. The teacher encourages pupils to repeat the numbers after her and to point to the numbers as they are called.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the flashcards, repeat the numbers, and try to point to the numbers when prompted.

Learning Point: Pupils begin to recognize numerals 0-17.

Step 3: Counting Objects (0-17)

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Counting/Manipulation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses bottle tops or other small objects. She demonstrates counting groups of objects, starting with small numbers (e.g., 3, 5) and gradually moving to larger groups up to 17, guiding pupils to count along with her.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the teacher count, try to count along, and may touch the objects as they are counted.

Learning Point: Pupils practise counting objects with guidance.

Step 4: Tracing Numbers (0-4)

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Fine Motor/Pre-writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates air tracing numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Then, she provides paper with large outlines of these numbers and crayons, guiding pupils to trace them. She offers hand-over-hand support where needed.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils perform air tracing, then use crayons to trace the numbers on their papers.

Learning Point: Pupils develop fine motor skills and practise forming numbers 0-4.

Step 5: Introducing Circles

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Shape Identification/Observation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows pictures of circular objects (ball, plate, clock) and real circular objects from the classroom. She draws a large circle on the board and says, “This is a circle! It is round.” She asks pupils to point to other circular things they see.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pictures and objects, repeat “circle,” and point to circular items in the classroom.

Learning Point: Pupils identify the circle shape and recognize it in their environment.

Step 6: Number Games and Circle Tracing/Colouring

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Game-based Learning/Creativity

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a simple number game like “Find the Number” (as described in the Board Summary). Afterwards, she gives pupils paper with large circles drawn on it and crayons, guiding them to trace and colour the circles.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the number game by finding and naming numbers. Then, they trace and colour the circles on their papers.

Learning Point: Pupils reinforce number recognition through play and practise tracing and colouring 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.

  1. “Can you show me the number 5?” (using flashcards)
  2. “Let’s count these 3 bottle tops together.”
  3. “What shape is this?” (showing a picture of a circle)
  4. “Show me how you trace the number 1 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/Closure

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their participation and effort. She quickly recaps that they learned about numbers and circles. She sings a goodbye song.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to praise and sing the goodbye song.

Learning Point: Pupils feel a sense of accomplishment and the lesson is formally concluded.

Lesson Keywords

  • Numbers – signs like 0, 1, 2, 3 that tell us how many.
  • Count – to say numbers in order, like one, two, three.
  • Circle – a round shape, like a ball.
  • Trace – to draw over a line or shape.
  • Game – a fun activity we play.

Differentiation

  • Support: For pupils struggling with number recognition, use fewer flashcards (e.g., 0-5) and provide more one-on-one guided counting with physical objects. Use hand-over-hand assistance for tracing numbers and circles. Provide larger tracing outlines.
  • Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the concepts, encourage them to find more circular objects around the classroom or to try counting objects slightly beyond 17 (e.g., up to 20) with minimal guidance. They can also try drawing a simple circle independently.
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Numbers 0-17 Number Games, Writing Practice and Circles for Pre-School Level 1
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