Introducing Numbers!

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

• Read the book aloud. As you read, emphasize the number each page focuses on (e.g., page one focuses on stars) and model counting the objects highlighted on each page.
• Display the numbers 1-10 (using the number cards) on the board and re-read the book from back to front, this time pointing to the corresponding number as you read.
• Explain that you can count forward or backward by saying, "I can count from 1-12 like I just did, or I can count backwards from 12-1. Counting backwards can be fun, but usually we want to count forward. It is like walking backwards (demonstrate). It's fun, but we wouldn't want to do it every day!"
• Model how to count objects using one-to-one correspondence (e.g., "How many bears do I have? One, two, three," et cetera).

Guided Practice

• Point to the number cards on the board and say, "Today we are going to practice using our cards to help us count. I am going to put my cards in order on the rug (place the cards 1-10 in a line on the rug in view of the whole class) and will match my counters to the cards."
• Model how to place one counter under each number. Then count from 1-10 and have the class echo-count after you.
• Repeat this process, this time having the students count chorally with you as a group.

Group work time

• Explain that now you will put the students in pairs and pass out counters and pre-cut number cards to each pair. They will get to put the cards in order on the rug and practice counting out their objects.
• Pass out materials and have students work in pairs on the rug (if space allows).