Grade 1 Mathematics: Numbers to 50 – Counting and Number Patterns – Week 10 Term 3

📚 LESSON OVERVIEW

This lesson focuses on developing number sense with numbers to 50 through counting activities, number patterns, and practical problem-solving. Learners will strengthen their understanding of number sequence, skip counting in 2s and 5s, and apply these skills in meaningful contexts.

📋 LESSON INFORMATION

Subject: Mathematics
Grade: 1
Term: 3
Week: 10
Duration: 60 minutes
Date: 12 September 2025
Topic: Numbers to 50: Counting and Number Patterns

🎯 CURRICULUM ALIGNMENT

  • 📖 CAPS Content Area: Numbers, Operations and Relationships
  • 🎯 Specific Aims:
    • Develop number sense and computational fluency
    • Recognise patterns and relationships in mathematical situations
    • Apply mathematical thinking to solve problems
  • 📈 Learning Outcomes: LO1 – Numbers, Operations and Relationships

🏆 LESSON OBJECTIVES

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

  • Count confidently from 1 to 50 and back using concrete objects and number charts
  • Identify missing numbers in a sequence from 1 to 50
  • Skip count in 2s up to 20 and in 5s up to 50
  • Recognize and extend simple number patterns
  • Solve practical problems involving counting and number patterns in everyday contexts

📝 KEY VOCABULARY

1. Count

To say numbers in order from 1 upwards or backwards

2. Pattern

A repeated design or sequence that follows a rule

3. Skip counting

Counting by jumping over numbers (like 2, 4, 6, 8 or 5, 10, 15, 20)

4. Sequence

Numbers arranged in a particular order following a pattern

5. Number line

A line with numbers marked at equal intervals to show number order

🔗 PREVIOUS LEARNING

What learners should already know:

  • Count to 30 forwards and backwards
  • Recognize and write numbers 1-30
  • Basic number order and sequencing
  • Simple addition and subtraction within 20

Connection to prior lessons:

This lesson builds on previous work with numbers to 30 and extends counting skills to 50, while introducing pattern recognition that will support future arithmetic development.

⏰ LESSON STRUCTURE

🚀 BEGINNING (Introduction) – 10 minutes

Hook Activity:

“Number Detective” game – Display a number chart 1-50 with several numbers missing. Challenge learners to be detectives and find the “missing numbers” by counting carefully.

Introduction Activities:

  • Sing the “Counting Song” from 1-50 with actions and movements
  • Quick review: Count around the circle from 1-30, each learner says the next number
  • Introduce today’s learning: “Today we’re going to explore numbers up to 50 and discover exciting patterns!”

📚 MIDDLE (Main Activities) – 40 minutes

Direct Instruction (15 minutes):

Using a large number chart (1-50), demonstrate counting from 31-50, emphasizing number patterns (31, 32, 33… noting the “thirty” pattern). Show skip counting in 2s using concrete objects (pairs of shoes, socks) and in 5s using hands (fingers). Highlight patterns: “What do you notice about numbers when we count in 2s? What about 5s?”

Guided Practice (15 minutes):

Work together as a class to:

  • Count in 2s using body parts (2 eyes, 4 eyes, 6 eyes…) up to 20
  • Count in 5s using hands (5, 10, 15, 20…) up to 50
  • Complete missing number sequences on the board: 35, __, 37, __, 39
  • Create number patterns using manipulatives (counting bears, blocks)

Independent Practice (10 minutes):

Learners work individually or in pairs to:

  • Complete worksheet with number sequences and patterns
  • Use counting objects to create their own skip counting patterns
  • Practice writing numbers 40-50 in their workbooks
  • Solve simple word problems involving counting (e.g., “There are 5 groups with 4 learners each. How many learners altogether?”)

🎯 END (Conclusion) – 10 minutes

Consolidation Activity:

“Pattern Parade” – Groups of learners demonstrate different counting patterns (counting in 1s, 2s, 5s) using movements and actions. Class identifies which pattern each group is showing.

Exit Ticket:

Each learner completes: “Count in 2s: 2, 4, 6, __, __” and “What number comes after 47?” Share answers with a partner before leaving the carpet.

📊 ASSESSMENT & UNDERSTANDING CHECKS

📝 Formative Assessment

  • Observe learners during counting activities for accuracy and confidence
  • Listen to oral responses during guided practice
  • Check completion of number patterns during independent work
  • Monitor peer discussions and explanations

📋 Summative Assessment

  • Completed worksheet with number sequences 1-50
  • Exit ticket responses
  • Individual oral counting assessment (1-50)
  • Pattern creation and explanation activity

🎯 Success Criteria:

  • Learner can count accurately from 1-50 and back from 50-1
  • Learner identifies at least 3 missing numbers in a sequence
  • Learner demonstrates skip counting in 2s to 20 and 5s to 50
  • Learner explains simple number patterns using own words

🎭 DIFFERENTIATION STRATEGIES

🤝 For learners who need support:

  • Provide number charts and manipulatives for all activities
  • Focus on smaller number ranges (1-30) with gradual extension
  • Use peer buddies for counting activities
  • Give extra practice with concrete objects before abstract work
  • Allow more time for completion of tasks

🚀 For advanced learners:

  • Extend counting to 100 and introduce counting in 10s
  • Create their own number patterns and teach them to classmates
  • Solve more complex word problems involving patterns
  • Explore relationships between different skip counting patterns
  • Work with larger numbers and more complex sequences

♿ For learners with barriers:

  • Use multi-sensory approaches (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
  • Provide clear, simple instructions with visual cues
  • Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps
  • Use technology aids where appropriate (counting apps, audio support)
  • Allow alternative ways to demonstrate understanding

📦 RESOURCES & MATERIALS

  • Large number chart (1-50) for classroom display
  • Individual number charts for learners
  • Counting objects: beans, blocks, counters (50 per group)
  • Worksheets with number sequences and patterns
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Chart paper for creating class patterns
  • Stickers or stamps for motivation
  • Musical instruments for counting songs
  • Timer for activity management
  • Pattern cards for extension activities

🏠 HOMEWORK & EXTENSION

  • Home counting practice: Count objects at home (toys, spoons, books) up to 50 with family members
  • Pattern hunt: Find and draw 3 patterns at home (on clothing, tiles, or furniture)
  • Skip counting fun: Practice counting in 2s and 5s while doing activities (jumping, clapping)
  • Family engagement: Teach a family member to skip count in 2s or 5s
  • Number story: Create a simple story using numbers 40-50

💭 TEACHER REFLECTION NOTES

✅ What worked well:

[To be completed after lesson – Note learner engagement levels, successful activities, and effective differentiation strategies]

🔧 What could be improved:

[To be completed after lesson – Identify challenges, timing issues, and areas needing adjustment]

📝 Notes for next lesson:

[To be completed after lesson – Plan follow-up activities, address misconceptions, and build on successes]

🌐 CROSS-CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS

  • Life Skills: Counting people in the class for health and safety routines
  • English: Number songs, rhymes, and counting stories
  • Life Orientation: Counting healthy snacks, exercises, or safety equipment
  • Arts and Culture: Creating visual patterns with art materials
  • Physical Education: Counting movements, jumps, and exercises in patterns

⚠️ SAFETY & CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

  • Ensure counting objects are large enough to prevent choking hazards
  • Supervise movement activities during counting games
  • Establish clear rules for sharing and handling manipulatives
  • Monitor noise levels during group counting activities
  • Ensure all learners can see the number chart clearly
  • Create calm environment for learners who may feel anxious about numbers