Roman Numerals 1-10 I to X for Pre-School Level 4

Class: Pre-School Level 4
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 5 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Numeracy
Curriculum Theme: Numeracy
Previous Lesson: Number patterns and sequencing 1-20
Topic: Roman Numerals 1-10: I to X
Subject Matter: Roman Numerals: 1 – 10 = I – X. Weekly focus: Roman Numerals 1-10: I to X.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Identify Roman numerals I to X.
• Match standard numbers 1-10 to their Roman numeral equivalents.
• Recite Roman numerals from I to X.

Affective Domain

• Show interest in learning different ways to write numbers.
• Participate actively in number rhymes and games.

Psychomotor Domain

• Trace Roman numerals I to X.
• Write Roman numerals I to X with guidance.

Social Domain

• Take turns when matching number cards.

Reference Materials

• NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 4 Numeracy
• Early Childhood Care and Education resources
• Numeracy picture charts and flash cards

Instructional Materials

• Large number charts showing standard numbers 1-10 and their Roman numeral equivalents (I-X)
• Flash cards with standard numbers 1-10
• Flash cards with Roman numerals I-X
• Small whiteboards and markers or paper and pencils for tracing/writing
• Counters or sticks for demonstrating quantities

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson introduces pupils to Roman numerals, an alternative system for writing numbers. Understanding Roman numerals helps children appreciate different number systems and can be seen in everyday contexts like clock faces or book chapters, broadening their numerical literacy.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils can already recognise, count, and write standard numbers from 1 to 10. They are familiar with matching numbers to quantities.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Roman Numerals 1-10: I to X

Roman numerals are another way to write numbers, just like the numbers we use every day (1, 2, 3…). They use letters to represent values.

What the Teacher Should Show or Draw

Display a chart showing the standard numbers and their Roman numeral equivalents clearly.

• 1 = I (One vertical stick)
• 2 = II (Two vertical sticks)
• 3 = III (Three vertical sticks)
• 4 = IV (One stick before five)
• 5 = V (A hand with five fingers)
• 6 = VI (Five and one stick)
• 7 = VII (Five and two sticks)
• 8 = VIII (Five and three sticks)
• 9 = IX (One stick before ten)
• 10 = X (Two crossed sticks)

Explain that ‘I’ is like one finger, ‘V’ is like five fingers, and ‘X’ is like two hands crossed for ten. Emphasise that ‘IV’ means 1 less than 5, and ‘IX’ means 1 less than 10.

Roman Numerals Rhyme

Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”

One is I, so easy, see,
Two is II, for you and me.
Three is III, let’s count along,
Four is IV, a number strong.
Five is V, like fingers spread,
Six is VI, inside my head.
Seven, VII, let’s learn some more,
Eight is VIII, right to the core.
Nine is IX, a special sign,
Ten is X, so grand and fine!

Actions: Pupils use fingers to show numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 10. For IV and IX, they can show 5 then hide one finger, or show 10 then hide one finger.

How to use the rhyme: Recite the rhyme slowly, pointing to the Roman numeral on the chart as each line is sung. Encourage pupils to do the actions and repeat after the teacher.

Watch and Learn Roman Numerals

Let’s watch a short video to see how Roman numerals look and sound from 1 to 10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q0xHk0qK6s

Key Words

• Roman Numerals – A way of writing numbers using letters like I, V, X.
• I – Represents the number 1.
• V – Represents the number 5.
• X – Represents the number 10.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Play-based Learning, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Songs and Rhymes, Picture Talk, Question and Answer, Repetition, Manipulation of Objects, Practical Activity.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Recalling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to count from 1 to 10 using their fingers. The teacher then introduces the idea that numbers can be written in different ways, like Roman numerals.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils greet the teacher and count from 1 to 10 using their fingers. They listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Pupils recall standard number counting and are introduced to the concept of alternative number writing.

Step 2: Explanation and Demonstration of Roman Numerals 1-3

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Demonstrating

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays the chart of Roman numerals. Using flash cards, the teacher shows ‘1’ and ‘I’, explaining ‘I’ means one. Then shows ‘2’ and ‘II’, explaining ‘II’ means two, like two sticks. Repeats for ‘3’ and ‘III’. Pupils repeat after the teacher.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts and flash cards. They repeat “1 is I”, “2 is II”, “3 is III” after the teacher.

Learning Point: Pupils recognise and orally identify Roman numerals I, II, III.

Step 3: Explanation and Demonstration of Roman Numerals 4-6

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Demonstrating

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues with ‘4’ and ‘IV’, explaining it’s “one before five”. Then ‘5’ and ‘V’, showing five fingers. Finally, ‘6’ and ‘VI’, explaining it’s “five and one”. The teacher uses counters to show the quantities.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the teacher’s demonstration with flash cards and counters. They repeat “4 is IV”, “5 is V”, “6 is VI” after the teacher.

Learning Point: Pupils recognise and orally identify Roman numerals IV, V, VI and understand their formation.

Step 4: Explanation and Demonstration of Roman Numerals 7-10

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Demonstrating

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces ‘7’ and ‘VII’ (five and two), ‘8’ and ‘VIII’ (five and three), ‘9’ and ‘IX’ (one before ten), and ’10’ and ‘X’ (two crossed sticks). The teacher uses fingers and counters to reinforce the values.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and repeat the Roman numerals VII, VIII, IX, X after the teacher, associating them with the standard numbers.

Learning Point: Pupils recognise and orally identify Roman numerals VII, VIII, IX, X.

Step 5: Rhyme and Matching Activity

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcing/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads the pupils in singing the “Roman Numerals Rhyme” from the board summary, with actions. Afterwards, the teacher distributes mixed flash cards (standard numbers and Roman numerals) and asks pupils to find their matching pairs.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the rhyme with actions. They then work to match the standard number flash cards to the correct Roman numeral flash cards.

Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their recognition of Roman numerals through song and practice matching.

Step 6: Guided Writing/Tracing

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guiding/Practising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to trace and write Roman numerals I-X on a whiteboard or large paper. The teacher guides pupils to trace the Roman numerals on their workbooks or small whiteboards, focusing on correct formation.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration. They then practice tracing and attempting to write Roman numerals I-X with guidance.

Learning Point: Pupils develop fine motor skills and practice writing Roman numerals.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.

1. Show me the Roman numeral for 5.
2. What is the standard number for ‘II’?
3. Point to the Roman numeral for 10 on the chart.
4. Match the number 4 to its Roman numeral.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate (e.g., pointing, showing cards, matching).

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises the pupils for their effort and reminds them that Roman numerals are a fun, different way to write numbers. The teacher encourages them to look for Roman numerals around them (e.g., on clocks).

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and participate in a final cheer or song.

Learning Point: Pupils feel a sense of accomplishment and are encouraged to observe Roman numerals in their environment.

Lesson Keywords

• Roman Numerals – A special way to write numbers using letters.
• I – Means one.
• V – Means five.
• X – Means ten.
• Match – To put things together that are the same or belong together.

Differentiation

• Support: For pupils who are struggling, focus on Roman numerals I-V first. Use larger flash cards and provide more hand-over-hand guidance for tracing. Allow them to use counters to verify each number.
• Extension: For pupils who grasp the concept quickly, encourage them to identify Roman numerals on classroom items (if any, e.g., a toy clock with Roman numerals) or challenge them to write the Roman numerals without tracing.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Prepare your Roman numeral charts and flash cards clearly and attractively before the lesson. Emphasise the visual aspect of Roman numerals, especially I, V, and X, by relating them to fingers or simple shapes. Repetition is key for memorisation at this age. The rhyme and video will help reinforce the learning. When teaching IV and IX, explain the “one before” concept simply. Observe pupils closely during the matching and writing activities to identify those needing more support or those ready for extension. Encourage oral recitation and active participation from all pupils.