Support Material

‘Developing EarlyMathematical Language

& Numbers to 5’

Focus Increasing student’s everyday and mathematical

language through exploratory activities.

Developing an understanding of numbers to 5.

Lesson Structure1. Action Rhymes2. Counting activities3. Matching activities4. Physical activities5. Sorting activities6. Copying activities

The following activities will provide support in the planning of the 20 — 30 minute sessions.

Action Rhymes

Here is the Beehive

Here is the beehive, where are the bees? (clench fist and bring out fingers quickly one by one) Hidden away were nobody sees Watch and you will see them come out of their hives, One, two, three, four, five, Buzz, buzz, buzz. 

Once I Caught a Fish Alive

One, two, three, four and five, I caught a fish alive; Six, seven, eight, nine and ten, Then I let him go again. Why did you let it go? Because it bit my finger so. Which finger did it bite? This little finger on the right.

Counting Apples

Five red apples Hanging on a tree (five fingers held up) The juiciest apples you ever did see! The wind came past And gave an angry frown     (shake head and look angry) And one little apple came tumbling down.

Four red apples… etc.

Five Fat Peas

Five fat peas in a pea pod pressed (children hold hand in a fist) One grew, two grew, so did all the rest. (put thumb and fingers up one by one) They grew and grew (raise hand in the air very slowly) And did not stop, Until one day The pod went POP! (children clap hands together)

One, Two Buckle My Shoe

1, 2  Buckle my shoe 3, 4  Shut the door 5, 6  Pick up sticks 7, 8  Lay them straight 9, 10  A big fat hen. Let’s get up and count again!

One Potato, Two Potato

One potato, two potato, Three potato, four, Five potato, six potato, Seven potato, more!

Five Little Monkeys

Five little monkeys Sitting in a tree Teasing Mr. Crocodile-- “You can’t catch me.” “You can’t catch me.”  Along comes Mr. Crocodile As quiet as can be—SNAP!!! Continue until all monkeys are gone Away swims Mr. Crocodile As full as he can be!!!

Five Little Squirrels

Five little squirrels sitting in a tree. The first one said, “What do I see?” The second one said, “Some nuts on the ground.” The third one said, “Those nuts I found.” The fourth one said, “I’ll race you there.” The Fifth one said, “All right, that’s fair.” So they shook their tails and ran with glee. To the nuts that lay at the foot of the tree.

Five Enormous Dinosaurs

Five enormous dinosaurs Letting out a roar-- One went away, and Then there were four.

Four enormous dinosaurs Crashing down a tree-- One went away, and  Then there were three.

Three enormous dinosaurs Eating tiger stew-- One went away, and  Then there were two.

Two enormous dinosaurs Trying to run-- One ran away, and then there was one.

One enormous dinosaur,  Afraid to be a hero-- He went away, and Then there was zero.

Five Little Ducks

Five little ducksWent out one dayOver the hill and far awayMother duck said“Quack, quack, quack, quack.”But only four little ducks came back.

Count ducks down until no ducks left…

Sad mother duckWent out one dayOver the hill and far awayThe sad mother duck said“Quack, quack, quack.”And all of the five little ducks came b ack.

Ten in the Bed

There were ten in a bed and the little one said,  “Roll over, roll over.”   (rolling motion) So they all rolled over and one fell out. There were nine in the bed and the little one said,  “Roll over, roll over.” So they all rolled over and one fell out….

This is repeated until you get to the number one.  Each time “roll over” is said, rolling motion is dramatized.

There was one in the bed and the little one said,  “Good night!” 

Five Little Birdies

Five little birdies, flying around our door, ( five fingers one hand up in the air, as verse is said other hand bends down each finger) The blue one flew away and then there were four.

Four little birdies sitting in a tree, The yellow one flew away and then there were three.

The little birdies didn’t know what to do, So the red one flew away, and then there were two.

Two little birdies sitting in the sun,  The Brown one flew away, and there was one. The little green birdie felt so all alone, He/she flew away and then there was none. Later on that very day, five little birdies came back to play.

Five Little Bees

One little bee blew and flew. He met a friend, and that made two.

Two little bees, busy as could be-- Along came another and that made three.

Three little bees, wanted one more, Found one soon and that made four.

Four little bees, going to the hive. Spied their little brother, and that made five. Five little bees working every hour-- Buzz away, bees, and find another flower.

Five Currant Buns

Five currant buns in the bakery shop. Round and shiny with the sugar on top. Along comes (child’s name) with a dollar to pay.

He/she buys a cookie and takes it away.

(continue with four, three, two and one).

Ten Fingers

I have ten fingers    (hold up both hands, fingers spread) And they all belong to me,  (point to self) I can make them do things- Would you like to see? I can shut them up tight   (make fists) I can open them wide    (open hands( I can put them together   (place palms together) I can make them all hide   (put hands behind back) I can make them jump high   (hands over head) I can make them jump low   (touch floor) I can fold them up quietly   (fold hands in lap) And hold them just so.

Hickory Dickory Dock

Hickory Dickory Dock,The mouse ran up the clock;The clock struck One,The mouse ran down,Hickory Dickory Dock!

Hickory Dickory Dock,The mouse ran up the clock;The clock struck Two,The mouse said BOO!Hickory Dickory Dock!

Hickory Dickory Dock,The mouse ran up the clock;The clock struck Three,The mouse said Wheeeee…As he slid down the clock!

Five Little Men in a Flying Saucer

5 little men in a flying saucerlooked around the world one dayThey looked left and rightbut they didn’t like the sight so one man flew a way.

4 little men in a flying saucer……and so on till you have 0

Ten Buzzy Bees

One, two, three, four, five,Bees come buzzing from the hive,Six, seven, eight, nine, ten,Buzz around then back again. Please tell me buzzy bee,Why you buzz so busily.‘Peep in the hive to see,We’re making honey for your tea.’

Five Little Speckled Frogs

Five green and speckled frogsSat on a speckled logEating some most delicious bugsYum Yum

One jumped into the poolWhere it was nice and coolThen there wereFour green and speckled frogsGlub Glub!

Continue counting down.

Sausages Sizzling in the Pan

Ten fat sausages sizzling in a panone went pop and the other went bang.

Eight fat sausages sizzling in a panone went pop and the other went bang.

Six fat sausages sizzling in a panone went pop and the other went bang.

Four fat sausages sizzling in a panone went pop and the other went bang.

Two fat sausages sizzling in a panone went pop and the other went bang.

No fat sausages sizzling in a pan.

Monday Monday 1 2 3

Monday, Monday 1, 2, 3Tuesday, Tuesday skip with meWednesday, Wednesday turn aroundThursday, Thursday touch the groundFriday, Friday reach up highSaturday, Saturday wave goodbyeSunday, Sunday stamp your feetEnd of the week, clap the beat1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

I Wish I Was a Funny Clown

I Wish I was a funny clownWith smile so wide and eyes so roundWith pointed hat, a funny noseAnd polka dots upon my clothes

Clap Your Hands 1 2 3

Clap your hands 1, 2, 3Put your hands upon your kneesLift them high to touch the skyClap hands and away they fly.

Five Fat Sausages

Five fat sausages frying in a panAll of a sudden one went BANG!Four fat sausages, etcThree fat sausages, etcTwo fat sausages, etcOne fat sausage frying in a pan,All of a sudden it went BANG!And there were NO sausages left!

Counting Picture Books

Ten in the Bed – Penny DaleTen Out of Bed – Penny Dale1, 2, 3 to the Zoo – Eric CarleThe Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric CarleCounting Sharon – David PaceFive Little Ducks – Ian BeckHow do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? – Jane YolenOne Duck Stuck – Jane ChapmanSeven Little Helicopters – Galaxy Kids MathsZolar Can Count Galaxy Kids MathsTen Skittles – Galaxy Kids MathsCounting Sheep – Galaxy Kids MathsEggs in the Nest - Galaxy Kids Maths

Measures, Position and Orientation Picture Books

Inside, Outside, Upside Down – S & J BernsteinBears in the Night – S & J BernsteinWe’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Michael RosenRosie’s Walk – Pat HutchinsFollow That Bear if You Dare – Alison EdgsonA Lion in the Night – Pamela AllenWhat the Ladybird Heard - Linda MonksWhere are you Blue Kangaroo? - Emma Chichester ClarkWhere’s My Teddy? - Jez AlboroughGo Ducks Go – Maurice BurnsWalking the Dog – Jane Buxton (Ready to Read)The Crawly, Crawly Caterpillar – H. E. ToddThe Smallest Turtle – Lynley DoddMy First Monster Book – Pat Edwards (Eureka Maths)On the Skateboard - Galaxy Kids MathsChocolates Everywhere - Galaxy Kids MathsI am Tall - Galaxy Kids MathsThe Longest Nose - Galaxy Kids Maths

Weblinks for extra support:http://prekinders.com/math-page/ (range ideas to support positional language and early number)http://www.nzmaths.co.nz/supporting-rich-mathematical-interactions-ece (ECE jigsaw)http://www.sparklebox.co.uk (Rhyme story sets)

Counting ActivitiesFocus: Counting forwards and backwards to 5

Number before and after numbers to 51 – to – 1 counting

1. Digit cards Make individual sets of digit cards 1 – 5 for each student. Be creative and make sets

using interest topics ie rockets, pawprints, butterflies.Examples available from www.sparklebox.co.uk and www.mrspancake.com

Students put them in order. Have number flip strip close so students have a model. Students can: count forwards and backwards along the numbers, point to a specific number, point to number one more/just after, one less/just before.

Rockets available at:www.mrspancake.com

2. Finger patterns to 5 Count forwards and backwards 1 – 5 using finger patterns Match finger pattern to five frame dots Show finger pattern to match a numeral card 1 – 5, show finger pattern for number one

more/just after and number one less/just before.

3. Number strip flip Use only the numbers 1 – 5. Count forwards and backwards.

Hide the numbers and ask what is this number? What comes one more/next/just after? What comes one less/before?

4. Listening Tin Make a Listening Tin (Instructions below) Drop magnets into the tin and get students to count the drops they can hear. Finger pattern – place a finger up for each drop Put magnets on the front of the tens frame on the tin. Count magnets as placed on the

tin. Find the number on the tin

5. Hopscotch Go outside and jump forwards and backwards on a

hopscotch outline. Jump to a specific number, jump to number one

more/just after and number one less/just before.

Matching ActivitiesFocus: 1 – to – 1 matching

1. BSM Matching boxes (divided white box with range of small equipment) Students explore equipment and match the items ie. bucket and spade, brush and

shovel, bat and ball

2. Playdough mats (available from www.sparklebox.co.uk ) Print off a couple of the playdough mats and laminate. Students are to create and place on the number of items asked

for. ie. dots on ladybird, sausages in pan, petals on flower, teeth on crocodile, apples on tree

3. Caterpillar Legs Activity from Book 5 page 5 Print and laminate MM5-6 Students to place a specific number of pegs on the caterpillar body

4. Tens frames dots to 5 match Students match 1-to-1 on 1 – 5 dot frames. Place a

teddy, counter, small plastic toy on each dot. Count to toys as they are placed.

5. Birthday Cake Activity from Book 5 page 6 Print and laminate MM5-8 Students to place a specific number of candles (iceblock sticks) on the birthday cake

6. Matching cards Students to match 1 – 5 sort cards: finger patterns, numeral,

five frames BSM matching sets

7. Egg carton (six pack) Paint a small egg carton green and place dinosaur stickers on

the outside. Purchase six ping pong balls (dinosaur eggs) or mini dinosaurs. Students place a specific number of dinosaur/eggs in the carton.

8. Memory games – make or purchase a couple of memory games.

Physical ActivitiesFocus: Developing everyday and mathematical language through physical movement

activities.

Language to focus on: over, under, on, off, next to, front, between, up, down, here, there, beside, behind, far, near, close, top, bottom, outside, inside, back

Maori: front – mua, back – muri, side – taha, right – matau, left – maui, up – runga, down – raro

1. BSM activities

Outdoor physical activities Indoor positional activities3 - 2 -– 22 One, two, or three jumps p.173 – 2 – 23 Movement – direction and orientation p.183 – 2 – 20 What am I doing? p.204 – 2 – 1 Exploring large boxes p.64 – 2 – 24 Move in this direction p.165 – 2 – 3 Following direction p.85 – 2 – 24 “I Spy” p.195 – 2 – 25 Adventure playgrounds p.216 – 2 – 21 Up and over in the playground p.15

3 – 2 – 3 Driving and looking p.103 – 2 – 4 Tell me where to put it p.123 – 2 – 26 Inside, outside, or on the line p.234 – 2 – 2 Where did they land? p.74 – 2 – 3 Where is Piglet? p.84 – 2 – 25 Guess where I am p.174 – 2 – 44 Opposites p.206 – 2 – 81 Place the bottletops p.81

2. Kiwidex activities (SPARC) www.sparc.org.nz/en-nz/young-people/Ages-5-12-Years/KiwiDex/ Simon Says p.41 Memory Challenge p.43 Here – There – Where p.54 Over/Under/Side to Side p.89 Zig Zag relays p.109 (Adapt to in and out of cones) Battleships p.149 (Adapt to use positional language) In the Pond p.153 Move like a… p.167 Obstacle relay p.190 and Challenge course s p.245 Hoop work p.194 Tunnel ball p.202

3. Positional Language picture books listed above under rhymes – could act some out on a rainy day!

Sorting ActivitiesFocus: Developing early mathematical language and everyday language through a range of

sorting activities.

Student’s given opportunities to sort a range of materials. Ensure mathematical and everyday language is modelled to/with/by the students - colour, shape, size, texture. Allow students to sort themselves and observe what they have done rather than ask them to sort by shape (for example)

Materials may include:

Teddy bears, sorting boxes, attribute blocks, jar of buttons or bottle tops, toy animals and cars, pictures from magazines or education catalogues (Every Educaid is perfect – cut out and laminate).

Using sorting containers may assist students sorting into sets. ie. set rings (from icecream lids), egg cartons, small cups, sorting plates and muffin trays.

For example;

Copying ActivitiesFocus: Copying numbers to 5

1. Rainbow writing Write numeral in light colour crayon. Students use

other crayon colours to go over the top of numeral…getting a rainbow effect

2. Sand tray writing Have a small tray with a layer of sand. Students draw numerals in the sand then shake

tray gently and try another number. Have support numeral formation cards available.

3. Finger paint numbers Students finger paint numbers on large pieces of paper

4. Whiteboard numbers Students practice writing numerals on small whiteboards. Have support numeral

formation cards available. Butterfly numeral cards can be purchased to support this activity too

5. Play dough numbers Laminate large A4 numerals (available on

www.sparklebox.co.uk) Students create a play dough snake and form

numeral on laminated mat Students trace finger over top of play dough

numeral

6. Number on partner’s back Students write a number on a partner’s back and they

need to guess the number. Have support numeral formation cards available.

7. Sandpaper numbers Make large A4 numerals from sandpaper. Glue to card.

Students trace their finger over top of numeral.

Developed by Julie Roberts (Accent Learning) and Marilyn Holmes (University of Otago College of Education)

0 – 5 Digit cards

Quinary Five Frames

0 1 2

3 4 5

0 1 2

3 4 5

Five Frames

1 – 5 sort cards

1

2

3

4

5

Equipment

Listening Tin

Two sets of coloured magnets

Ideas for using the tin

Drop the magnets into the tin Students make the number pattern behind their back Describe what the pattern looks like ie 5 and 1 What will the pattern look like on the tens frame?

Place magnets on front of tin Find number on bottom of tin One more/one less…two more/two less

Extension ideas

What makes 10? Have a second tens frame on back of tin…add the number onto ten? Double the number Counting on/back…what will the number look like on two tens frames?