# Lesson Plan: Counting and Number Recognition
### Grade Level: Reception (Ages 4-5)
### Duration: 45 minutes
### Learning Objectives:
- To count objects accurately up to 10.
- To recognise, name, and write numbers from 0 to 10.
- To match numbers with corresponding quantities.
### Materials Needed:
- Number flashcards (0-10)
- Counting toys (such as blocks or counters)
- A large number line displayed in the classroom
- Worksheets with number matching activities
- Whiteboard and markers
- Coloured pencils or crayons
### Introduction (5 minutes)
1. **Greeting and Warm-Up:**
- Welcome and greet the students.
- Sing a simple counting song (e.g., "Five Little Ducks" or "Ten Green Bottles") to engage the students and set the tone for the lesson.
### Direct Instruction (10 minutes)
2. **Number Flashcards:**
- Show the students the number flashcards one by one.
- Have the students say the numbers aloud together.
- Use the flashcards to demonstrate counting on fingers.
3. **Number Line:**
- Draw attention to the number line displayed in the classroom.
- Explain that the number line can help us see the order of numbers.
- Count aloud along the number line with the students from 0 to 10.
### Guided Practice (10 minutes)
4. **Counting Toys:**
- Distribute counting toys to small groups or individuals.
- Ask the students to count out different quantities (e.g., "Can you give me three blocks?").
- Walk around the classroom and support students as needed, ensuring they count correctly.
5. **Number Matching:**
- Provide worksheets with numbers and corresponding quantities (e.g., pictures of apples).
- Guide the students through matching the numbers to the correct number of objects.
- Encourage them to use their pencils or crayons to draw lines, circle the numbers, or colour in the objects.
### Independent Practice (10 minutes)
6. **Number Writing:**
- Give students individual whiteboards and markers.
- Ask them to write numbers from 0 to 10, providing assistance when necessary.
- Encourage them to say the numbers aloud as they write them.
7. **Number Recognition:**
- Play a game of "Number Hunt" in the classroom where students find hidden number flashcards.
- When a student finds a number, they should say it out loud and show it to the class.
### Closing and Assessment (5 minutes)
8. **Review and Recap:**
- Gather the students together and review the number flashcards again.
- Ask questions to assess understanding (e.g., "What number comes after 4?" or "Can you show me the number 7 on the number line?").
9. **Praise and Encouragement:**
- Praise the students for their efforts and participation.
- Sing another counting song to end on a positive note.
- Briefly outline what they will be learning in the next lesson to build anticipation.
### Extension Activities:
- **Counting Games:** Encourage students to play counting games at home or in small groups.
- **Number Crafts:** Create number crafts (e.g., collage using items to represent different numbers) in subsequent art lessons.
### Differentiation:
- **For Advanced Students:** Provide numbers beyond 10 for additional challenge or introduce simple addition using counting toys.
- **For Struggling Students:** Offer additional support during activities, use more tactile or visual aids, and provide extra practice sheets.
---
This lesson plan incorporates engaging and interactive activities to help Reception students develop their counting skills and number recognition. Through a mix of direct instruction, guided practice, and independent activities, students will gain confidence and proficiency in working with numbers from 0 to 10.