📚 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