Lesson plan
Over in the Meadow Counting Practice
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to use one-to-one correspondence to count objects up to 20.
The adjustment to the whole group lesson is a modification to differentiate for children who are English learners.
Introduction
(10 minutes)
- Gather students together for the read-aloud.
- Ask students, "How old are you?" Have students show their age using their fingers.
- Say, "You just counted to tell me how old you are. Today we are going to practice counting lots of things and keeping the numbers in order as we count."
- Read the book. As you read, pause to note how many animals are in each picture, and make a point to note and count each animal individually.
Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling
(5 minutes)- After reading the book, ask the class to help you count to 10. When finished, ask, "What number comes after 10?"
- Using a posted number line, echo-count to 20.
- Say, "Counting is how we can find out how many objects there are. Each object represents one number."
- Demonstrate how to keep track of items as you count using counters and using a paper that has been folded in half or has a line drawn across to physically move each item as you count it. Think aloud as you do this to show the class: "Here is one bear (move the bear to the right), two bears, three," etc.
- Model how to use a number line to support you if you forget a number or lose your place when counting.
Guided Practice
(5 minutes)- Pair students together and provide each pair with a number line and bag or group of items to count (e.g., buttons, bears, counters), and a folded piece of paper. Have the pairs practice counting each item and moving the item to one side of the paper.
- Encourage the groups to count again to double-check their counting. Ask, "Did you get the same number? Why or why not?"
Independent working time
(15 minutes)- Display the worksheet and explain that students will now get to practice counting to 20 as they color in each of the objects on the worksheet.
- Pass out worksheets and coloring materials.
Differentiation
Support:
- Work with students in a small group to practice one-to-one correspondence as they count. Use a large number line and have students practice tracking their counting using a paper clip attached to the number line.
Enrichment:
- Have students create their own counting worksheet using pictures of their choosing. They can draw 21 or more pictures and then practice writing the final number on their own.
Assessment
(5 minutes)- Circulate around the room during pair and independent work time and check in with students. Ask questions such as: "As you touch each item, what do you say? What number comes next?"
- Observe how students are contributing to the group conversation. Record anecdotal notes about student comments, questions, or areas of confusion (using the number line, counting in order, tracking objects, etc.).
Review and closing
(5 minutes)- Gather the class back together.
- Play the song "Over in the Meadow." As it plays, show the numbers on the number line.
- Assign several students animal roles (e.g., ducks, birds, etc.) and have the students pretend to be each animal.
- Play the song again and pause at each part to have the other students count each group of animals.
- Applaud the students' work and say, "Today you practiced counting and keeping track of items as you counted. It is important to only count each thing once. This way you can make sure you are counting all of your items."
Related learning resources
Over in the Meadow Counting Practice
Lesson plan
Over in the Meadow Counting Practice
In this fun counting-focused lesson plan, your students will practice their one-to-one correspondence skills as they learn a fun song!
preschool
Math
Lesson plan
Counting Blocks
Worksheet
Counting Blocks
Children practice counting up to 20 using blocks in this hands-on counting and coloring worksheet.
preschool
Math
Worksheet
Count the Simple Shapes
Worksheet
Count the Simple Shapes
Offering shape recognition and counting practice, this worksheet packs in the preschool math learning.
preschool
Math
Worksheet
Count On It!
Workbook
Count On It!
In this workbook you'll find everything preschoolers need to practice counting.
preschool
Reading & Writing
Workbook
