Planned learning intentions
To count reliably up to ten everyday objects
To recognise numerals 1 to 10
Resources
* Washing tablet bags * cup hooks * small tubs (such as small Pringles pots or yoghurt cartons) * brightly coloured paper * cubes * tray.
Step by step
* Cover the pots in brightly coloured paper, number them 0 to 10 using big, bold numerals, and then fit them inside the washing tablet bags.
* Make a set of numerals, space them evenly along a stretch of wall and stick a cup hook under each number. It is preferable to put the numbers in a continuous line to help children with the concept of number progression.
Unfortunately, we didn't have the space available and had to break up the line.
* Fill the tray with cubes and leave it on a table under the number line.
We ensured there were at least 55 cubes so that children could sort the correct amount of cubes into each tub.
Activities
We use the display in various ways. For example:
* Encourage the children to put the correct number of cubes in each bag, then hang the bags in the correct order.
* Develop children's number recognition by asking a child to get, say, the number 6 pot, put six items in it and hang it on the number 6 hook.
* Mix up the pots, then challenge the children to match the bag with the correct numbered hook.
* Discuss with children how each pot has one item more than the previous one, to develop their understanding of number progression.
* Remove a pot from the line and ask children to identify which one is missing.
Extension activities
* To maintain children's interest, replace the cubes with other small objects such as small-world toys.
* Make an alphabet line in the same way and provide a tray of objects, each beginning with a different sound of the alphabet - for example, an apple and a ball.
Susan Maltman is a teacher at Hither Green Primary School, south London.
She spoke to Annette Rawstrone
