
Let's Measure
Explore fun and engaging ways to teach measurement concepts to KS1 students.
Covers: | Activity | Resources | Relation to National Curriculum | Downloads |
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Activity 1Build It |
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Activity 1Build It |
The lesson plan provides hands-on activities designed to help children understand addition and subtraction through building and manipulating blocks. It emphasizes interactive learning by using visual aids and practical exercises to reinforce mathematical concepts. This content outlines educational activities aimed at teaching children basic addition and subtraction through hands-on experiences. The 'Build It' activity encourages children to create towers with blocks, allowing them to visualize the addition process by counting the total number of blocks after adding more. For example, starting with 4 blocks and adding 3 more illustrates the equation 4 + 3 = 7. The 'Take It Away' activity focuses on subtraction, where children can physically remove blocks from a tower to understand the concept of taking away. For instance, if a tower starts with 10 blocks and 2 are removed, it demonstrates the equation 10 - 2 = 8. The content includes differentiated activity sheets to cater to varying skill levels, ensuring that children can engage with the material at their own pace. Questions are posed to encourage discussion and deeper understanding of mathematical symbols and operations. |
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Activity 2Grab And Add |
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Activity 2Grab and Add |
The lesson plan emphasizes the importance of hands-on activities in teaching children the concept of addition through practical engagement with objects. It presents a structured approach to facilitate learning by using simple materials and encouraging active participation. The lesson plan outlines a hands-on educational activity designed to teach children the concept of addition through counting objects. It suggests using small items like cubes, buttons, or paperclips, which children can grab from two bowls and add together. The activity involves a Grab and Add Activity Sheet that allows children to record their addition problems. Initially, a small number of objects, such as 10, is recommended, gradually increasing as the child's skills develop. The process includes inviting children to count the objects in each bowl, moving them to a designated area, and counting the total. The content also encourages discussion about mathematical symbols like '+' and '=' to deepen understanding. Repetition of the activity with different objects is suggested to maintain interest and build confidence in addition skills. |
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Activity 3Number Lines |
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Activity 3Number Lines |
Using a number line as a visual tool enhances children's understanding of addition and subtraction, allowing them to physically engage with numbers. This hands-on approach not only aids in solving problems but also fosters a deeper comprehension of mathematical concepts. The lesson plan outlines a hands-on educational activity designed to help children develop their addition and subtraction skills using a number line. It begins by explaining how to create a number line with numbers 1 to 5, emphasizing the importance of order and spacing. The activity encourages children to solve addition problems by counting forward on the number line, demonstrating that they can start from either number in the equation. It also introduces the concept of missing numbers in addition, guiding children to find the difference between quantities. For subtraction, the content explains how to count backward on the number line and highlights the importance of starting with the first number in the problem. The document provides specific examples for both addition and subtraction, including how to handle missing numbers. It emphasizes the use of activity sheets tailored to the child's ability and encourages repetition and engagement through various manipulatives. The conclusion reinforces the idea that these skills can be applied in different contexts to enhance learning. |
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Activity 4Number Frame |
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Activity 4Number Frame |
The lesson plan emphasizes the use of number frames as a practical tool for teaching children addition and subtraction through visual representation and hands-on activities. It outlines specific activities and methods to engage children in understanding mathematical concepts effectively. The lesson plan provides a comprehensive guide for parents and educators on using number frames to teach addition and subtraction to children. It introduces the concept of number frames, which are grids that help organize objects for counting, and explains how to use them for various mathematical operations. The document includes templates for different sizes of number frames, such as 5-frame, 10-frame, and 20-frame, and suggests using everyday objects like toys for hands-on learning. It details step-by-step activities for addition, including presenting problems on a whiteboard, using coloured objects to differentiate parts of the problem, and solving missing number addition problems. For subtraction, it describes how to count backwards using the number line and demonstrates solving problems with missing numbers. The content encourages repetition and variation in activities to enhance learning and maintain engagement. |
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Activity 5Counting On Fingers |
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Activity 5Counting on Fingers |
Counting on fingers is an effective strategy for children to develop initial math skills, particularly in addition and subtraction. The activity encourages hands-on learning through a fun hand model that aids in visualizing and solving math problems. The lesson plan emphasizes the importance of using fingers as a practical tool for children to learn addition and subtraction. It introduces a hands-on activity where children create a hand model to assist in solving math problems. The activity sheet includes templates for handprints and various math problems. Parents are encouraged to guide their children in counting fingers from 1 to 10 and back, discussing how fingers can help in solving addition and subtraction problems. The hand model allows children to visually represent numbers by folding and unfolding fingers to find one more or one less. It also provides methods for solving addition problems by unfolding fingers and for subtraction by folding them down. The content suggests repeating the activity with different problems to reinforce learning. Overall, it aims to make math engaging and interactive for young learners. |
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Activity 6Number Facts |
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Activity 6Number Facts |
The lesson plan provides a structured hands-on approach for children to learn basic addition and subtraction through the use of physical objects. It emphasizes the importance of interactive learning and encourages children to explore different combinations of numbers to understand mathematical concepts better. This educational content outlines a hands-on activity designed for children to learn number facts involving addition and subtraction. It suggests using small objects like cubes or buttons to help children visualize and count numbers. The activity begins by having the child count a specific number of objects, in this case, seven. Children are then encouraged to group these objects in various ways, such as 6 and 1 or 3 and 4, to discover different number facts that equal seven. The activity sheet provided allows children to record their findings and helps them keep track of the number facts they have already used. The content also includes questions for discussion, prompting children to reflect on their learning process and the different combinations they found. Overall, the activity aims to make learning math engaging and interactive, fostering a deeper understanding of basic arithmetic. |
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Activity 7Double Numbers |
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Activity 7Double Numbers |
The lesson plan emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning in teaching children basic addition through the concept of doubling numbers. It provides a structured activity that encourages children to engage with mathematical concepts using physical objects. The lesson plan outlines a hands-on educational activity designed to teach children about doubling numbers through the use of objects. It includes a Double Numbers Activity Sheet that visually supports the concept of addition by having children place equal amounts of objects on a scale. The activity encourages children to understand that doubling means adding the same number again, illustrated by an example of placing two cubes on each side of the scale. Children are guided to count the total number of cubes and write the corresponding mathematical statement, such as 2 + 2 = 4. The content also emphasizes the importance of discussing the activity with children, asking questions about the concept of doubling and the methods used to ensure equal amounts. This approach aligns with curriculum standards that focus on identifying and representing numbers, interpreting mathematical statements, and solving one-step addition and subtraction problems. |
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Activity 8Story Problems |
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Activity 8Story Problems |
The lesson plan emphasizes the importance of teaching children addition and subtraction through story problems, utilizing vocabulary and visual aids to enhance understanding. It advocates for hands-on activities that engage children in real-life scenarios to develop their mathematical skills effectively. The lesson plan outlines a structured approach to teaching addition and subtraction to children through story problems. It highlights the significance of vocabulary in identifying whether to use addition or subtraction, providing key terms such as 'total', 'altogether', and 'fewer'. The use of Story Problem Cards is recommended, which can be printed and cut out for practical use. Parents are encouraged to support their children by discussing the vocabulary and number facts involved in the problems. The content also suggests various strategies for solving these problems, including counting on fingers or using visual aids like number lines. Engaging children in discussions about the problems helps reinforce their understanding of the concepts. The overall goal is to develop both language and mathematical skills in a hands-on manner. |
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Addition & Subtraction
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Hands-on activities in teaching Year One addition and subtraction are highly effective as they make abstract mathematical concepts tangible and engaging for young learners. By using tools such as blocks, number lines, or manipulatives, children can physically interact with numbers, helping them visualize operations like adding or subtracting. This approach fosters deeper understanding, supports multi-sensory learning, and caters to diverse learning styles. Activities like building towers to illustrate addition, removing blocks for subtraction, or using number frames encourage problem-solving and critical thinking while making math fun and relevant to real-life contexts. Moreover, hands-on methods enhance engagement, retention, and confidence in math skills by allowing children to explore concepts at their own pace in an interactive and supportive environment.
Here are some engaging hands-on activities for teaching addition and subtraction to Year One students:
Use coloured blocks or cubes to build addition and subtraction towers. For example, build a tower of 4 red blocks, then add 3 blue blocks on top to visualize 4 + 3 = 7. For subtraction, start with a tower and remove blocks.
Create a large number line on the floor using tape. Have students physically jump forward for addition and backward for subtraction to solve equations.
Use ten frames and counters to represent numbers and solve addition/subtraction problems within 10. This helps students visualize number relationships.
Use dominoes to practice addition. Students can add the dots on both sides of a domino, or combine two dominoes and add all the dots.
Create paper hand cutouts and have students fold down or unfold fingers to represent addition and subtraction problems.
Fill containers with small objects like buttons or counters. Students grab handfuls from two containers, count, and add the totals. For subtraction, start with one handful and remove objects.
Use manipulatives to demonstrate how three numbers can be used to create four different equations (two addition, two subtraction), reinforcing the relationship between addition and subtraction.
Act out simple addition and subtraction word problems using small toys or objects, helping students visualize the mathematical operations in real-life scenarios.
These hands-on activities make learning addition and subtraction more engaging and concrete for Year One students, helping to build a strong foundation in early mathematics.
Incorporating real-world applications into math lessons for primary years pupils can significantly enhance their understanding and engagement. Here are some effective strategies to bring math to life in your classroom:
Use everyday objects and scenarios in your lessons. For example, have students count and sort items like buttons or toy cars to practice basic arithmetic. Create simple word problems based on familiar situations like sharing snacks or planning a party. This helps children see how math applies to their daily lives.
Integrate math into other subjects and activities. During art class, discuss shapes and symmetry. In PE, have students measure distances for games or track scores. Use cooking activities to teach fractions and measurements. This cross-curricular approach reinforces that math is everywhere.
Create a classroom economy system. Give students "jobs" and pay them with play money. Have them budget for classroom privileges or small rewards. This teaches basic financial literacy and makes addition and subtraction more meaningful.
Use technology to bring real-world data into lessons. Show students how to read simple graphs of weather patterns or animal populations. Use mapping tools to calculate distances between places they know. This demonstrates how math helps us understand the world around us.
Encourage hands-on measuring activities. Have students measure objects around the classroom or playground. Create simple floor plans of the school. These activities make concepts like length, area, and estimation tangible.
Incorporate games and puzzles that use math skills. Many board games involve counting, probability, and strategy. Logic puzzles can introduce early algebraic thinking. This shows students that math can be fun and challenging.
By consistently connecting math to real-life situations, you'll help your primary pupils develop a strong foundation for mathematical thinking and problem-solving that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
Using manipulatives in STEM education can greatly enhance young students' understanding of abstract concepts by providing hands-on, tactile learning experiences. Here are some of the most effective manipulatives for teaching STEM concepts:
Items like LEGO bricks, K'NEX, and wooden blocks allow students to explore engineering principles, spatial reasoning, and basic physics concepts. These versatile tools encourage creativity while developing problem-solving skills.
These geometric shapes are excellent for teaching geometry, symmetry, and spatial relationships. Students can create complex designs while learning about angles, fractions, and tessellations.
These interlocking cubes are ideal for teaching counting, basic arithmetic, patterns, and measurement. Their versatility makes them useful across multiple grade levels.
These blocks help students visualize place value, addition, subtraction, and other foundational math concepts. They're particularly useful for understanding the decimal system.
These manipulatives make abstract fraction concepts more tangible. Students can physically compare fractions, add and subtract them, and understand equivalence.
Using rubber bands on a pegboard, students can create various shapes, exploring geometry concepts like perimeter, area, and angles.
These are great for early literacy and numeracy skills. They can be used for spelling, word building, and basic math operations.
Rulers, measuring cups, and scales introduce students to measurement concepts in both metric and imperial systems.
These kits allow students to build simple electrical circuits, introducing them to basic concepts in electronics and energy.
These seven-piece puzzles develop spatial reasoning, problem-solving skills, and creativity while reinforcing geometry concepts.
When using these manipulatives, it's important to draw connections between the physical objects and mathematical symbols or scientific concepts. This helps students transition from concrete to abstract thinking. Additionally, incorporating these tools into games and exploratory activities can make learning more engaging and fun for young students.
Hands-on learning can be highly beneficial for primary school students with different learning styles, as it provides a multi-sensory approach that engages various cognitive processes. For visual learners, hands-on activities offer concrete representations of abstract concepts, allowing them to see and manipulate objects to better understand ideas. For example, using colourful blocks or manipulatives to teach math concepts can help visual learners grasp numerical relationships more easily.
Auditory learners can benefit from hands-on learning when it's paired with verbal explanations and discussions. As students engage in activities, teachers can provide verbal instructions and encourage students to explain their thought processes, reinforcing learning through auditory channels. For instance, during a science experiment, students can discuss their observations and predictions, enhancing their understanding through verbal communication.
Kinesthetic learners, who learn best through physical activity and touch, naturally thrive with hands-on approaches. Activities like building models, conducting experiments, or using interactive technology allow these students to physically engage with the material, making learning more memorable and effective. For example, a lesson on plant life cycles could involve planting seeds and caring for plants, allowing kinesthetic learners to experience the process firsthand.
Read/write learners can benefit from hands-on activities when they're combined with opportunities to document observations, write reflections, or create written summaries of their experiences. This integration of physical activity with writing tasks caters to their preference for text-based learning while providing the benefits of experiential education.
By incorporating a variety of hands-on activities, teachers can create a more inclusive learning environment that addresses the needs of different learning styles simultaneously. This approach not only accommodates individual preferences but also helps students develop skills across multiple modalities, preparing them for diverse learning and problem-solving situations in the future.
Here are some effective ways to make addition and subtraction more engaging for Year One students:
Incorporate physical objects like counting bears, blocks, or buttons to make math concepts tangible. For example, have students build "addition towers" with coloured blocks to visualize combining numbers.
Turn practice into play with games like:
Get students physically active while learning with activities like:
Employ visual tools to help students grasp concepts:
Utilize educational apps and interactive whiteboards to provide engaging digital practice.
Use story problems and set up a classroom "store" to show how addition and subtraction apply to everyday situations.
Combine math practice with art projects, like creating addition and subtraction kites.
Teach multiple approaches to solving problems, such as counting on, using doubles, or making ten, to cater to different learning styles.
By implementing these engaging methods, you can make addition and subtraction more fun and accessible for Year One students, helping them build a strong foundation in early mathematics.