Money - Counting in coins activity - Starter

In a practical numeracy activity for Year 1 students, the focus is on enhancing their ability to count money and recognise different shapes. The session begins with a 'Fluent in Four' revision exercise that encourages mental arithmetic by asking students to solve simple equations, such as finding half of 18 plus eleven and adding 2 to 15. This warm-up activity is designed to sharpen their quick calculation skills and prepare them for the main tasks ahead.

The primary activity involves counting currency within a piggy bank, where students must identify and count the number of 5, 10, 20, and 50 pound notes. This hands-on task not only aids in counting practice but also familiarises them with the different denominations of British currency. Following this, the children are tasked with categorising a variety of shapes into pyramids, spheres, and cones, enhancing their understanding of three-dimensional shapes. To further develop their sequencing skills, students are asked to continue a number sequence starting from the number 5 and to find the sum of 5 plus 3. These activities are thoughtfully designed to build a strong foundation in both numeracy and geometry for young learners.