Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, gather a variety of concrete objects like bottle tops, beads, or small blocks for counting, along with number flashcards for 0-7 and pictures of triangles. Ensure pupils understand that numbers tell us “how many” and zero means “none.” The core skill for pupils is to recognise numbers 0-7, count corresponding objects up to 7, and identify/trace a triangle, which will be evident through their active participation in counting, pointing, and guided tracing activities.
Class: Pre-School Level 1
Term: First Term
Week: 7
Age: 2 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Numeracy
Curriculum Theme: Numeracy
Previous Lesson: Introduction to numbers 0-3 and basic shapes.
Topic: NUMBERS: 0 – 7
Subject Matter: NUMBERS: 0 – 7; Reading Numbers: 0 – 7; Recognition of Numbers: 0 – 7; Counting objects: 1 – 7; Scribbling; Tracing a triangle. Weekly focus: Numbers 0-7: Recognition, Counting and Triangle Practice.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Recognise and name numbers 0 to 7 when shown.
- Count objects from 1 to 7 accurately.
- Identify a triangle from other shapes.
Affective Domain
- Show enthusiasm while counting numbers.
- Participate actively in number and shape activities.
Psychomotor Domain
- Point to numbers 0-7 when called out.
- Trace numbers 0-7 with their fingers or crayons.
- Scribble freely in their notebooks.
- Trace a triangle shape with guidance.
Social Domain
- Take turns when counting or identifying numbers.
- Listen to the teacher and follow simple instructions.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 1.
- Early Childhood Care and Education Numeracy Resources.
- Suitable early-years numeracy workbooks.
Instructional Materials
- Number flashcards (0-7)
- Charts showing numbers and quantities
- Charts showing triangles and other shapes
- Concrete counting objects (e.g., bottle tops, beads, small blocks)
- MP4 Player (or device for video playback)
- Workbook/exercise books
- Crayons
- Sand tray or flour for finger tracing (optional)
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is crucial for 2-year-olds as it builds their foundational understanding of numbers and basic shapes. Recognising and counting numbers 0-7 helps them make sense of quantities in their daily lives, while identifying a triangle introduces them to early geometry and spatial awareness. These skills are fundamental for future mathematical learning and problem-solving.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can recognise and name a few numbers (e.g., 0-3) and some basic shapes (e.g., circle, square). They can also count a small group of objects (1-3) and follow simple instructions.Lesson Content/Board Summary
NUMBERS: 0 – 7 and Triangle Practice
What are Numbers?
Numbers tell us “how many” of something we have.Zero (0) means “nothing” or “none.”
One (1) means a single item.
Two (2) means two items.
Three (3) means three items.
Four (4) means four items.
Five (5) means five items.
Six (6) means six items.
Seven (7) means seven items.
Recognising and Counting Numbers 0-7
- 0: (Show flashcard for 0) This is number zero. It means nothing. (Show empty hand)
- 1: (Show flashcard for 1) This is number one. (Count 1 bottle top)
- 2: (Show flashcard for 2) This is number two. (Count 2 bottle tops)
- 3: (Show flashcard for 3) This is number three. (Count 3 bottle tops)
- 4: (Show flashcard for 4) This is number four. (Count 4 bottle tops)
- 5: (Show flashcard for 5) This is number five. (Count 5 bottle tops)
- 6: (Show flashcard for 6) This is number six. (Count 6 bottle tops)
- 7: (Show flashcard for 7) This is number seven. (Count 7 bottle tops)
What is a Triangle?
A triangle is a shape that has:- Three (3) straight sides.
- Three (3) corners (or points).
Counting Numbers Rhyme
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
One, two, three, four, five,
Counting numbers, we’re alive!
Six, seven, let’s all say,
Numbers help us every day!
One, two, three, four, five,
Counting numbers, we’re alive!
Actions: Pupils clap hands for each number, then count fingers, then point to numbers on a chart.
Watch and Learn Numbers and Shapes
Watch this video to see and hear numbers 0-10. Focus on numbers 0-7.
Watch this video to learn about the triangle shape.
Key Words
- Numbers – symbols that tell us “how many”.
- Zero (0) – means nothing or none.
- Count – to say numbers in order or find out how many.
- Triangle – a shape with three straight sides and three corners.
- Sides – the straight lines that make up a shape.
- Corners – the points where the sides of a shape meet.
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Introduce numbers 0-7 one by one. For each number from 1-7, show the flashcard, say the number clearly, and then count the corresponding quantity of concrete objects (e.g., bottle tops) with the pupils. For zero, show the flashcard and an empty hand. For the triangle, show a clear chart or real-life examples, pointing to the three sides and three corners. Use simple, repetitive language.
What to show or demonstrate: Display large, clear flashcards for numbers 0-7. Use a chart with pictures showing quantities for each number. Have a collection of 7-10 identical concrete objects for counting. Show a clear picture of a triangle and, if possible, a real object like a small triangular block. Demonstrate finger tracing of numbers in the air and on a surface, and tracing the outline of a triangle.
How to use the rhyme/song: Lead the pupils in singing the “Counting Numbers Rhyme” several times. Encourage them to perform the actions (clapping, counting fingers, pointing) as they sing. This helps with memorisation and reinforces number order.
How to use the video: Introduce the first video as “a fun way to see and hear numbers.” Play the video, encouraging pupils to point to the numbers they recognise and repeat the numbers as they are said. For the second video, introduce it as “a song about the triangle shape.” Encourage pupils to watch the shape and its features. After each video, ask simple questions like “Which number did you see?” or “What shape did you see?” and have them point to the corresponding flashcard or chart.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils can correctly point to a named number, if they can count objects one-to-one, and if they can identify the triangle shape. Watch for pupils who struggle with number recognition or one-to-one correspondence during counting, and provide extra support.
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: Engagement/Recall
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and leads them in a short greeting song. The teacher then asks pupils to recall some numbers they learned previously (e.g., 1, 2, 3) and asks them to show a circle or square with their hands.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, sing along, and attempt to show the numbers and shapes with their hands.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and recall prior knowledge of numbers and shapes.
Step 2: Presentation – Introducing Numbers 0-3
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3 using large flashcards. For each number, the teacher says the number clearly, shows the flashcard, and then counts the corresponding number of bottle tops (or other concrete objects) with the pupils. For ‘0’, the teacher shows an empty hand.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the flashcards, listen to the teacher, and repeat the numbers. They watch as the teacher counts the objects.
Learning Point: Pupils begin to recognise numbers 0-3 and associate them with quantities.
Step 3: Presentation – Introducing Numbers 4-7
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues by introducing numbers 4, 5, 6, and 7 using flashcards and concrete objects. The teacher guides pupils to count along as objects are added for each number.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils repeat the numbers, point to the flashcards, and count the objects with the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils extend their number recognition and counting skills up to 7.
Step 4: Presentation – Introducing the Triangle
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visualisation/Description
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the shape “triangle” using a chart and real-life examples. The teacher points to the three sides and three corners, explaining these features in simple terms. The teacher asks pupils to point to any triangular objects in the classroom.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils look at the chart and examples, listen to the description, and try to point to the sides and corners. They look for and point to triangular objects.
Learning Point: Pupils identify the triangle shape and its basic features.
Step 5: Reinforcement – Rhyme and Video
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in singing the “Counting Numbers Rhyme” with actions. The teacher then plays the selected YouTube videos on numbers 0-7 and the triangle, encouraging pupils to watch, listen, and repeat.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the rhyme with actions and watch the videos, pointing to numbers and shapes they recognise.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce number recognition, counting, and triangle identification through song and visual media.
Step 6: Application – Guided Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Motor Skills
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher distributes workbooks or paper. The teacher guides pupils to scribble freely in their books. Then, the teacher demonstrates how to finger-trace numbers 0-7 in the air and on paper, and how to trace a large triangle. The teacher provides assistance as pupils attempt to trace.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils scribble, then finger-trace numbers and a triangle in the air and on paper/workbooks with teacher guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils develop pre-writing skills and practice forming numbers and shapes.
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.
- “Point to number 5 on the flashcard.”
- “Count these 3 bottle tops for me.” (Teacher places 3 bottle tops)
- “Show me number 0.”
- “Which of these shapes is a triangle?” (Teacher shows a circle, square, and triangle chart)
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate (pointing, counting, identifying).
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reiterating that they learned numbers 0-7 and the triangle shape. The teacher praises pupils for their participation and encourages them to keep practising counting at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and respond to praise. They are encouraged to practise at home.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are motivated for continued practice.
Lesson Keywords
- Numbers – symbols like 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Count – to say numbers in order to find out how many.
- Zero (0) – means nothing.
- Triangle – a shape with three sides and three corners.
- Scribble – to draw lines and shapes freely.
- Trace – to draw over a line or shape.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils struggling with number recognition, use larger flashcards and fewer numbers at a time (e.g., focus on 0-3 first). Provide hand-over-hand guidance for tracing numbers and the triangle. Use more repetitive oral counting and allow them to touch and move objects while counting.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the concepts, encourage them to identify numbers 0-7 in their environment (e.g., on a clock, calendar). Ask them to count groups of objects up to 7 independently. Challenge them to draw a simple triangle after tracing.
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