Addition and subtraction within 10 - Parts and wholes single objects activity - Starter

In an engaging Year 1 mathematics activity, students are introduced to the concept of addition and subtraction within 10, focusing on understanding parts and wholes using single objects. To begin the lesson, each child is provided with 10 counters to use as a hands-on tool for calculation. The activity is designed to reinforce their arithmetic skills through practical application. For example, students are asked to use their counters to solve problems such as "3 + 4" and "7 – 4", allowing them to visually see the addition and subtraction process by grouping and removing counters.

The lesson continues with a variety of exercises that encourage the children to explore different ways of organising their counters. They are prompted to double the number 5 and then subtract ten, leading them to understand that 10 - 10 equals 0, thereby introducing the concept of zero as a result of subtraction. Additionally, the children are asked to compare quantities to identify which group has fewer counters. Through these activities, students are challenged to think critically about sorting and comparing objects, fostering their problem-solving skills. The lesson is crafted to be interactive and thought-provoking, with a focus on allowing multiple methods of sorting to cater to the diverse thinking processes of young learners.