Time - Time to the hour - Starter

In a mathematics lesson tailored for Year 1 students, the focus is on understanding time to the hour and applying basic subtraction skills. The session starts with a "Fluent in Four" activity, which serves as a revision tool to consolidate students' ability to quickly solve simple subtraction problems. For example, they are presented with equations such as "Double 3 – three" and "6 – 9 = 8", which encourage mental arithmetic and the concept of number relationships. The lesson is part of the Summer Term curriculum, specifically scheduled for Week 11, Day 5.

The instructional material also includes a practical application of subtraction through word problems. Students are prompted to use ten frames—a visual aid consisting of two rows of five squares—to help them understand and solve problems related to counting and subtracting. One such word problem asks students to calculate the number of cows left on a farm after some have left, reinforcing their subtraction skills in a real-world context. Additionally, students are asked to complete statements by adding numbers, further practicing their counting and number sense. The lesson also incorporates learning about time, asking students to identify what time a clock is showing, such as "6 o'clock", and to demonstrate their understanding by completing related statements. The use of engaging visuals like carrots and balloons adds an element of fun to the learning process, making it more relatable for young learners.