Where are they now?
Makes, names and records collections to at least 30
Where to next?
Makes, models, names and records multiple groups of tens (1 ten, 2 tens, 3 tens as 10, 20, 30…) to 100. Makes, models names and records 2 digit numbers
Purpose
While at the single digit stage matching numerals to collections may seem to be just a memory exercise, students will not progress even at this level unless they are encouraged to build an understanding that numbers are about ‘amount’ or quantity – that they are not just about counting sequence. This idea of quantity is what makes mathematics different to other subjects. When learning reading, knowing a sequence of letters that makes a word is of little use unless the meaning of the word is also understood. So too with mathematics, just stating the name of a number symbol is of little use unless there is an understanding of the quantity indicated by the number. WIth higher numbers, this ability requires a broad understanding of all aspects of whole number including an understanding of the base10 system and place value, counting, magnitude and location.
Activities and Assessments (designed to move students from step 4 to steps 5 and 6)
Ten Spins for 10-sticks
Focus: Modelling and counting using 10 as a unit – understanding that twenty is an alternate name for two-tens, thirty for three-tens and so on.
Chicken Scramble 2 – modified
Focus: Determining and recording the number of items in different collections, through organising the collection into groups of 10. Students need to correctly identify the number of items in each collection through counting the number of groups of 10, and then correctly write the corresponding numeral to record the number of items.
How: In accordance with the Chicken Scramble 2 sheet, with the addition of a score sheet where students record record their totals once they have arranged their counters into groups of 10.