Lesson Note Nursery 1 First Term Mathematics Week 5

Introduction to Lesson Note Nursery 1 First Term Mathematics Week 5

I wrote this Lesson Note Nursery 1 First Term Mathematics Week 5; based on the Nigerian National Early Childhood Education Curriculum. Particularly, I used the Pre-Primary Teaching Schemes that the Education Resource Centre, Abuja developed. However, this scheme is the same as those of the other 36 states’ education resource development centre. Nonetheless, I only crosschecked this topic in that of Lagos, Kano and FCT only. Regardless, this lesson note is suitable for use in any Nigerian school that adopts the National Curriculum.

NOTE:  I wrote and extensive on the latest 9-Year Basic Education National Curriculum. If you haven’t read that, click here to read it up. Also, if you need any scheme of work based on the latest 9-Year Basic Education Curriculum, chat me up on WhatsApp for it.

Complete Lesson Objectives

As with the rest of our notes, the primary focus of this lesson note is to present an enriched content for the topic. This lesson note, also like the rest, provide guide for teachers on how to deliver the content to attain the topic objectives. In this regard, I adopt the modern teaching style in Mathematics as NERDC specified

Unlike most lesson notes you may find around which focuses majorly on cognition, I brought out and set objectives to cover other domains of education – affective and psychomotor.

Click here to Learn how to set Lesson Objectives professionally

How to adapt Lesson Note Nursery 1 First Term Mathematics Week 5

I wrote this lesson note Nursery 1 First Term Mathematics Week 5; in outline of standard lesson plans. However, I advise teachers that want to use this notes for official purpose – i.e. to create their lesson plans which they will submit to their supervisors – to follow this guideline to writing standard lesson plan. To make it faster, click here to get my lesson plan template for N300 only or click here to chat with me on WhatsApp.

REMARK: If you find the terms lesson plan and lesson notes confusing, quickly read this article on their differences.

Lesson Note Nursery 1 First Term Mathematics Week 5

Class: Nursery One

Term: First

Week: 5

Subject: Mathematics/Number Work

Topic:

• Counting 1 – 10
• Recognition of numbers 6 & 7
• Matching numbers 1 & 2 with objects
• Writing Pattern – Vertical Strokes

OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson, the pupils should have attained the following:

• Cognitive:
  • Count numbers 1 – 10
  • Identify numbers 1 – 7
  • Identify vertical strokes
• Psychomotor:
  • Point at named number between 1 and 7
  • Pick up to 10 items from a lot
  • Form vertical strokes
• Affective
  • Demonstrate/internalize the concept of numerical values of numbers 1 – 10

Instructional Materials

1. Screen & Video illustration of number 0 through 10 with rhymes.
2. Number models – plastic, metallic or cardboard cut-outs – consisting of several 1’s through 9’s including 0’s
3. Stand counters of 10 counters
4. A bundle pack and one for each pupil – a pack that can contain exactly 10 counters, not more. 10-beads Abacus will do as well.
5. Several counters – bottle covers, blocks, pebbles, etc. packed into a (an improvised) container. The counters should be up to 5 for each pupil.
6. Chalk/Marker and black/white board
7. Number charts of 1 – 5; and that of 1 – 10.
8. Number 1 & 2 Stencil
9. Education Resource Centre. (2014). FCT Nursery Teaching Scheme. Abuja: Education Resource Centre.
10. Kano Education Resource Department. (2016). Pre-Primary Schemes of work. Kano: Kano Education Resource Department.
11. Lagos State Ministry of Education. (2016). Early Childhood Care Education Scheme (Mathematics). Lagos: Lagos State Ministry of Education.
12. Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC). (2012). Mathematics Teachers’ Guide for the Revised 9-Year Basic Education Curriculum (BEC). Yaba, Lagos: Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).

PRESENTATION

The teacher delivers the lesson as in the following steps:

Introduction

To introduce the topic, the teacher does the following:

1. Orally asks questions based on the previous lesson:
   • What we say or write to tell people how many things we have is called ___

1. Number

• Story

• How many numbers do we have?

1. 2

• Many

• Every number has different name and how to write it

1. Yes

• No

• What is nothing (in local dialect) in English?

1. Zero

• One

• (Show them number 3 model/card and ask): What is the name of this number?

1. 3

• 4

• 2 and 4 which is greater?

1. 2

• 4

• Who can show us how to write number 4? Allow willing pupil to demonstrate on air or sand
• Who can count from 1 to 5? Allow willing pupil to count
• Pick some sweets and ask: how many sweets do I have in my hands?
• How many eyes does a dog has?
• Display the number chart and ask: who can come over to the board and touch/point at number 5? Allow willing pupil to do
• What is 5 in (local) dialect?
• Bayo (a pupil), please go to my desk. Pick two markers. Bring it to me.
• Everyone, take your Lego (improvised counter) pack. (A row or pupil at a time) come over here. Pick 5 blocks/balls/counters. Go back to your seat(s).

Concept of the value of number six (6) – ten (10)

Subsequent to the revision of numbers 1 to 5 as outlined above, the teacher proceeds to number six as in the following steps.

Number Six

14. The teacher directs each pupil to count 5 counters from the pack – as in the last
    exercise under introduction – question 14.
15. Thereafter, the teacher confirms the number of counters with each pupil.

• Following this, the teacher explains to the pupils that if one already has 5 items and gets one more – s/he distributes one counter to the pupils; then we say the person now has 6.

1. Thereafter, the teacher explains that the number six is the next number after number five. S/he shows the pupils number six model and/or writes it on the board and explains that we write six as 6 – the teacher may lead the pupils to write the number six on air/sand. S/he pronouncessix and makes the pupils to repeat after him/her – several times.
2. If resources are available, the teacher may show the pupils number 6 video illustration.

NOTE: The teacher may emphasize or reiterate the explanations in local dialect.

Number Seven

7. After the teacher has taught number six, the s/he explains to the pupils that if one already has 6 items and get one more – s/he distributes one counter to the pupils; then we say the person now has 7.
8. Thereafter, the teacher explains that the number seven is the next number after number six. S/he shows the pupils number seven model and/or writes it on the board then explains that we write six as 6 – the teacher may lead the pupils to write the number seven on air/sand. S/he pronouncesseven and makes the pupils to repeat after him/her – several times.

• If resources are available, the teacher may show the pupils number 7 video illustration.

Number Eight (8) & Nine (9)

The teacher repeats the explanation for number six and seven for numbers eight and nine.

Concept of Bundles

After the teacher has finished teaching and explaining the numbers 0 – 9, s/he tells the pupils that those are the numbers there is.

S/he thereafter tells the pupils that we however usually have more things than these numbers 0 – 9. The teacher continues that once the number of a thing is one more than 9 – i.e. if one already has 9 and then gets one more – then we say the person has a bundle.

The teacher demonstrates this by arranging ten bottle covers (or the available counters) into the improvised container of ten. Thereafter, the teacher distributes the improvised pack to the pupils. After that, the teacher demonstrates and directs the pupils to gradually arrange the nine counters in their possession into the pack. Once, the teacher and the pupils have done this, the teacher asks whether the pack is filled – or if one more of the counter can still be added. Since one more counter can still be added, the teacher distributes one more counter to the pupils. Then taking his/hers, the teacher demonstrates and directs the pupils to fill their pack with the one counter.

Number 10

Once the teacher and every pupil has filled their pack and probably covered it, the teacher tells the pupils that the pack is known as a bundle. Hence, the teacher explains further that a bundle therefore is 10. This also means that the next number after 9 is 10. The teacher shows the pupils number ten model and/or writes it on the board then explains that we write six as 10 (1 and 0) to mean one bundle and nothing.  S/he explains that we write the number ten in such a way that the 1 and 0 are not far from each other – the teacher may lead the pupils to write the number ten on air/sand. S/he pronounces ten and makes the pupils to repeat after him/her – several times.

If resources are available, the teacher may show the pupils number 10 video illustration and sing number rhymes with them.

Stage Evaluation Questions

Before proceeding to the other part of the lesson, the teacher assesses the pupils’ understanding of the concept of numbers 1 – 10. S/he does this by giving the pupils the following oral exercises:

1. The teacher asks the pupils how many counters they have altogether.
2. The number after 5 is __________
3. Seven is a number. What is seven in ______ (name local) language?
4. Ten is a number. Ten means 1 bundle and nothing. Who can come and touch/point at number 10 on the chart?
5. Now I give 7 pencils to Aliyu – teacher does this practically. If I add one more pencil to Aliyu like this – teacher does this practically, how many pencils has Aliyu now?

NOTE: Teacher may re-ask or explain questions in local dialect. S/he should allow volunteer pupil to count the pencils in Aliyu’s hands. Note that Aliyu here means a pupil in the class – ensure to use the child’s name.

Revision

After the teacher had finished explaining the concept of the values of number one – ten and the pupils have answered the stage evaluation questions; s/he revises the numbers 1 – 10 all over again. The teacher focuses on helping the pupils to identify the numbers, their names and symbols (how each is written) as well as to understand the concept of the value of each.

Counting Exercises

General counting with stand counters

After the revision, the teacher leads the pupils into general counting:

He or she puts up the stand of two counters. Then, sliding each counter to the other side; s/he together with the pupils, counts until the counters finish from one side. The teacher repeats this by sliding each counter back to the original position and again – several times. The teacher may invite willing pupils to lead the counting by sliding the counters as the entire class counts.

Group and Individual Counting

After the general counting, the teacher further strengthens the pupil’s memorization of the names and order of numbers through group counting.

• The teacher groups the pupils into pairs
• Going to each group and while watch and follow, the teacher counts different number of counters for each pupil
• The teacher directs each pupil to count differently given number out of his or her counter and give it to the partner
• Individual pupil counts the new number of counters in their possession and tells the teacher
• The teacher confirms the number then make the pupils to repeat the process – exchange some counters and count

Oral Counting without Counters

After the pupils are able to count very well with the counters, the teacher directs them to put the counters away. Then s/he leads them to count orally without using the counters. The teacher and the pupils do this several times. S/he may invite different willing pupils to lead the oral counting as well.

Number Rhymes

Prior to continuing with the lesson, the teacher makes numbers 1 – 10 into rhymes and leads the pupils to recite it. If resources are available, the teacher displays and narrates the video before and as the class sings the rhymes.

Recommended Rhyme (Cross-curricular):

1. There are two black birds
2. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

• 1,2 Buckle My Shoes (up to 9,10)

Henceforth, the rhyme shall be sung at regular intervals throughout the duration of the lesson/week.

Evaluation

The teacher may assess the individual pupil’s counting ability by:

1. Asking them to orally count from a number that s/he states to another. E.g. count 1 to 10.
2. Sending them to go and fetch a given number of item for him/her
3. Asking them to count the number of a given item
   1. This is your fingers (reiterates in local dialect), how many fingers do you have?
   2. How many people are sitting on this row?
   3. (Provided there are no more than 10 desks) How many desks do we have in this class?
   4. How many fans do we have in this class?
   5. How many children are in your family – if you are in a polygamous society such as the northern region where members of a family may exceed 10, you should rather ask how many children does your mother have?

Recognition of the symbols of Numbers 6 & 7

After the counting exercises, the teacher reminds the pupils that each of the numbers has its own way that we write it. Thus, s/he explains that they are now going to learn how to write 2 more numbers in addition to the 3 they already know. The teacher first of all revises the symbols of numbers 1 – 5 as s/he taught them earlier.

Consequently, the teacher starts from zero and forth; explains that:

• Zero is a number. Zero means nothing. And we write zero as 0. The teacher shows the pupils number 0 model then writes it on the board and leads pupils to write on air or sand.
• One is a number. One means ________ (in local dialect). And we write one as 1. The teacher shows the pupils number 1 model then writes it on the board and leads pupils to write on air or sand.
• Two is a number. Two means ________ (in local dialect). And we write two as 2. The teacher shows the pupils number 2 model then writes it on the board and leads pupils to write on air or sand.
• Three is a number. Three means ________ (in local dialect). And we write three as 3. The teacher shows the pupils number 3 model then writes it on the board and leads pupils to write on air or sand.
• Four is a number. Four means ________ (in local dialect). And we write four as 4. The teacher shows the pupils number 4 model then writes it on the board and leads pupils to write on air or sand.
• Five is a number. Five means ______ (in local dialect). And we write five as 5.
• Six is a number. Six means ________ (in local dialect). And we write six as 6. Teacher displays the symbol or model of 6. Afterwards, the teacher plays and leads the pupils to sing number six number rhyme.
• Seven is a number. Seven means ________ (in local dialect). And write seven as 7. Then the teacher displays the symbol or model of number 7. Afterwards, the teacher plays and lead the pupils to sing number seven number rhyme.

Succeeding the explanation, the teacher writes, displays or projects numbers 1 – 7, serially on the board/screen or uses the large number chart of 1 – 7, then points at each number and asks the pupils to name the number – then in reverse (and randomly). Again, the teacher calls the name of a number then invites pupils to points at each.

The teacher may call the local names of numbers and asks pupils to mention the English equivalents.

Following this, the teacher uses the number chart of 1 – 5, and leads the counting once again – several times. S/he may invite pupils to come, point at the numbers and lead the counting.

Evaluation

The teacher evaluates the pupils’ ability to recognize the numbers through physical exercise thus:

S/he places different number of counters into the boxes. Then s/he gives the boxes to the pupils with the number models or cardboard number cut-outs. Thereafter, the teacher directs the pupils to open up each of the boxes, count the number of items in the boxes and then pick the corresponding number model/cut-out and place on/inside the boxes with the counters.

The teacher moves round or collects the boxes, confirms the counters and the number model/cut-out that is in it. S/he provides feedback to the pupils immediately and personally – if a child gets any right, praise the heartily; if a child gets any wrong, praise the child heartily for the right answers and give the wrong ones as next target.

Matching Numbers 1 & 2 with variety of objects

In the last next of the lesson – which the teacher may teach concurrently with the rest; the teacher aims to achieve the affective objectives for the topic. This is internalization of the concepts of numbers 1 & 2. By this I mean the pupils should not only be able to reel and sing the rhymes of numbers, but also demonstrate understanding of the concept in normal everyday living.

Hence, after teaching the concepts of numbers 1 – 10 as I have discussed; the teacher ‘challenges’ the pupils with exercises on practical living. S/he does this, first with concrete things, then during picture reading and matching of numbers to objects exercise on paper.

With Concrete Objects

While the topic lasts – say each day of the week or at two or three intervals per day, the teacher brings a variety of objects to the class one of which has to be in a pair and another lone. Then the teacher asks the pupils individually – first as planned group activity during the lesson then individually at different times and randomly – to name the object (out of the variety) that is one or two in number.

Subsequently, the teacher may personalize the questions with each pupil. S/he does this by asking each pupil the number of any of the pupil’s possession that is either one or two in number. For example:

1. How many bag(s) do you have?
2. Raise two fingers – assuming the pupil knows the meaning of fingers
3. How many legs do you have?
4. (In class) Who has two green LEGOS?

Assignment to parents

As part of the feedbacks to parents for the week, the teacher may also tell them the exercise. The parents can help in the challenge by asking pupils during activities at home. The parents are to ask pupils to identify or name the number of objects that the parents already know to be one or two in number. Nonetheless, enjoy the feedbacks of parents who will gladly tell you their child could say things that are more!

Matching of Numbers 1 & 2 with variety of objects during picture reading

Complimentary to the activities above, the teacher repeats the same challenge during picture reading. For this reason, the teacher collects beautiful pictures of objects – things that appeals to children such as animals (to some), cars (to some), soldiers, etc – teachers may find out pupils’ interest by asking them or their parents.

Provided computer/screen is available, the teacher makes these pictures into slides. The pictures should be in such a way that some objects are of varying numbers, but most one and in pairs. If screen is not available, the teacher may print out the picture-reading book. Or even where printer is not available such as in the rural areas, the teacher may get preferred Picture Reading textbook or take the pupils for a walk around.

Then flipping through the pictures, the teacher identifies the objects with the pupils. But wherever the number of the object they are currently looking at is either one or two, the teacher asks the pupils how many of the objects are there?

Take for instance, “Look at this beautiful animal, do you know the name of this animal? Good, Elephant! How many elephants can you see in the picture? Correct! One! Everybody, look at one beautiful elephant”

Matching of numbers 1 & 2 to objects exercise on paper

In the last part of the matching of numbers 1 & 2 to objects, the teacher gives the pupils matching exercises on their Mathematics textbook, workbook or exercise books. However, this is after the teacher has taught the pupils how to form the writing pattern for the week (vertical strokes). Therefore, the teacher should carryout the previous matching exercises while s/he teaches the writing pattern.

Should there be no Mathematics textbook or workbook with matching exercise available, the teacher can form worksheets or write out the exercises on the pupils’ exercise books.

To do this, the teacher collects or draws a list of objects of varying number – some, one and others in two’s – on a row. Then either above or below the row of objects, the teacher writes out numbers 1 to 9 in another row. The number row should be such that the number of 1’s and 2’s equals the number of objects that are one and two respectively.

Note that this exercise reinforces the exercises on writing pattern, hence the objects and numbers have to be on rows – at least the first exercise, others may be slanting line.

See sample below.

NOTE: The objects and numbers are in rows to ensure up and down movement of the writing pattern for the week. For each of the exercises, the teacher explains and demonstrates how to solve it to the pupils. The teacher follows this with quick class activities – which the pupils perform under the watch and direction of the teacher. Then s/he duplicates the exercises as many times as possible for individual pupil’s practice – may be home work.

Writing Pattern: Forming Vertical Strokes

In the last part of this lesson, the teacher teaches the pupils how to form vertical writing strokes. For guidelines on this, please see my Pre-Writing Lesson Notes.

EVALUATION

The teacher assesses the pupils understanding of the lesson on Lesson Note Nursery 1 First Term Mathematics Week 5; by giving them the following exercises.

Exercise 1: Oral counting

The teacher asks the pupils (either individually or in small groups) to count numbers 1 – 10.

Count 1 – 10

Go to the playground. Pick 10 stones. Bring it to me.

Clap 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7,8,9,10

Raise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 fingers

Sing 1,2 Buckle my shoes

Exercise 2: Recognition of numbers 1 – 5

• The teacher uses a number chart or a handwritten numbers 1 – 5; points at each number and ask individual pupil to name it – then the reverse.
• The teacher calls the local names of numbers and demands pupils to mention the English equivalents.
• The teacher gives the pupils the matching exercise contained in Activity Book. Point at/touch number:
  • four
  • two
  • five
  • one
  • three
  • zero

Exercise 3: Numerical Values

• Teacher collects some items (recommended is biscuit or sweet); divides the items into two groups – one being more than the other.
• The teacher asks pupils to count each group; thereafter, reminds the pupil the number of each group, then asks the pupils to pick either the smaller or greater.
• Then the teacher gives the corresponding exercise in the activity book.

1. Which is greater?
2. 7 and 6
3. 8 and 7
4. 5 and 9
5. 8 and 9
6. 10 and 2
7. Count and circle the greater/lesser
8. Fill in missing number
9. Arrange from smallest to biggest (vice versa)

Exercise 4: Matching Numbers to Objects

CONCLUSION

The teacher concludes lesson on Lesson Note Nursery 1 First Term Mathematics Week 5 by recording pupils’ performance and if necessary; providing feedback to the parents for needed home assistance; and/including suggesting/giving them the video clips for their children.

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