EL Support Lesson
Dinosaur Counting
Objectives
Academic
Students will be able to count and write numbers up to 10.
Language
Students will be able to explain how to count objects to find the total number.
Introduction
(2 minutes)
- Gather students together for the start of the lesson.
- Display the Vocabulary Card for dinosaur and ask students, "Do you know what a dinosaur is?" Have them give a thumbs up for yes or a thumbs down for no. Say, "A dinosaur is a prehistoric reptile. They were animals that lived long ago."
- Ask students to turn and talk to share with a partner what they think a dinosaur might have done (e.g., hunt, play, sleep, etc.). Then say, "Today we are going to read a book about dinosaurs. These are silly dinosaurs who practice counting."
Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling
(10 minutes)- Prior to the start of the lesson, write the numbers 1-10 on the board
- Read aloud the book, How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten?
- Model how to count to 10 in order using the numbers on the board.
- Ask the class to count along with you either by echo counting or counting chorally as a group.
- Show the class how to write each number by starting at the top, have the students practice writing the numbers in the air with their fingers.
- Using math manipulatives (e.g., snap cubes) model how to count out 10 objects one at a time and point to the corresponding written number as you say it aloud.
Guided Practice
(8 minutes)- Explain that now you will practice counting objects in order as a group.
- Pass out one bag of 10 objects to each student. Then as a group have them pull out one object at a time and say the number aloud (provide either prompting or echo counting support as needed).
- Repeat this again, this time pausing between numbers to have the students write each number in the air with their fingers.
- Call out a number (e.g., six) and have the the students practice counting out that amount of objects from their bags. Ask students to turn and talk to a partner to check that they counted correctly.
Group work time
(10 minutes)- Display the worksheet on the board and explain the instructions. Tell students that they will be working in pairs to count the objects in each row together, and then will write the total number on their own worksheet.
Additional EL adaptations
Beginning
- Allow students to practice counting in order in their home language (L1).
- Have students work within a small teacher led group to complete their worksheet. As a group, practice counting the objects aloud.
- Provide the prewritten numbers on the board for students to refer to as needed
Advanced
- Have students work with a partner to count larger amounts of objects. Encourage the pairs to share different counting strategies with each other.
Assessment
(3 minutes)- Collect student work samples to assess if students are able to accurately count objects to find the total amount.
- Ask guiding questions to students throughout the lesson to assess their understanding, "How many do you have? How do you know? Can you tell me how you counted?"
Review and closing
(2 minutes)- Gather the students back together and as a group practice counting a mystery bag full of items.
- If extra time is available, pass out the Watercolor Paint by Number: Dinosaur worksheet for students to complete and color.
Related learning resources
Glossary: Dinosaur Counting
Worksheet
Glossary: Dinosaur Counting
Use this glossary with the EL Support Lesson: Dinosaur Counting.
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Vocabulary Cards: Dinosaur Counting
Worksheet
Vocabulary Cards: Dinosaur Counting
Use these vocabulary cards with the EL Support Lesson: Dinosaur Counting.
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Dinosaur Counting
What do dinosaurs and counting have to do with one another? Find out in this fun dino-themed counting lesson! Practice one-to-one correspondance and number recognition in this ELL lesson plan.
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Counting Practice Worksheet
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Counting Practice Worksheet
Throw counting practive into reverse with this counting-backwards worksheet.
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