📅 12-Week Early Maths Plan (Year R)
Weeks 1–3: Numbers and Counting Foundations
Focus: Counting to 5, recognising numerals 0–5.
Activities:
- Counting everyday objects (toys, snacks, natural items).
- Number songs/rhymes (e.g., "5 little ducks").
- Matching numerals to quantities.
- Sorting and comparing small sets (more/less, same).
Key Vocabulary:
one, two, three, more, less, same, count.
Weeks 4–6: Building to 10
Focus: Numbers 6–10, ordering and comparing.
Activities:
- Ten frames for number recognition and counting.
- Ordering numbers on a washing line (0–10).
- Counting forwards and backwards to 10.
- Begin simple addition using objects (e.g., 3 + 2).
Key Vocabulary:
first, last, next, before, after, add, altogether.
Weeks 7–9: Shapes, Space & Patterns
Focus: Shape recognition and spatial awareness.
Activities:
- Recognise and name 2D shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle).
- Explore patterns (ABAB using colours, sounds, actions).
- Building with 3D shapes (blocks, junk modelling).
- Positional language (under, next to, behind).
Key Vocabulary:
circle, square, triangle, rectangle, pattern, behind, in front.
Weeks 10–12: Developing Number Sense
Focus: Numbers beyond 10, early problem solving.
Activities:
- Counting to 20 with confidence.
- One more / one less games.
- Sharing and grouping (link to halving/sharing).
- Simple subtraction using real objects.
- Revisiting patterns and extending them.
Key Vocabulary:
more than, fewer than, one more, one less, double, share, half.
📊 Assessment & Review
Ongoing: Observe children during play and group activities.
End of 12 Weeks: Check progress towards:
- Confident counting to 10 (and beyond).
- Recognising numerals to 10+.
- Understanding one more/less.
- Beginning to add and subtract practically.
- Recognising and using patterns.
- Using shape and positional vocabulary.
| Week | Focus / Objective | Activities | Resources | Vocabulary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Counting up to 3 | Count objects (toys, fingers), number songs | Small toys, fingers, counting rhymes | one, two, three, count |
| 2 | Counting up to 5 | Match numerals 0–5 to objects; sorting into sets | Number cards 0–5, everyday objects | more, less, same |
| 3 | Recognising numbers 0–5 | Number hunts in classroom/outdoor area | Number cards hidden around space | zero, before, after |
| 4 | Counting to 10 | Ten frame counting; clap counting | Ten frames, counters, clapping | one, two… ten, altogether |
| 5 | Ordering numbers 1–10 | Washing line ordering; missing number game | Number cards, string & pegs | order, next, before, after |
| 6 | Addition within 10 | Use objects to combine 2 groups (e.g., 3 + 2) | Counters, cubes, toys | add, altogether, total |
| 7 | 2D Shape recognition | Shape hunt indoors/outdoors; shape art | Shape cut-outs, crayons, paper | circle, square, triangle, rectangle |
| 8 | Exploring patterns | Make ABAB patterns with colours, sounds, actions | Beads, coloured blocks, musical instruments | pattern, repeat, same, different |
| 9 | 3D Shapes & Position | Build towers, describe positions (under, next to) | Blocks, boxes, construction toys | cube, cone, under, behind, next to |
| 10 | Counting beyond 10 | Count to 20; spot numbers in environment | Number line to 20, books, posters | eleven, twelve… twenty |
| 11 | One more / one less | Dice games, "What's missing?" number line | Dice, number line 0–20 | more than, less than, one more, one less |
| 12 | Sharing & simple subtraction | Share objects equally; take away using toys | Counters, small snacks (fruit, crackers) | double, half, share, take away |