Place value - Count forwards and backwards within 20 - Starter

At the beginning of the autumn term in Year 2, students embark on a mathematical journey to deepen their understanding of place value, specifically learning to count forwards and backwards within 20. The starter activity presents a simple addition problem, "7 + 7 =", which encourages students to calculate the sum. They then move on to a 'Fluent in Four' revision exercise, which includes a question that asks students to identify a number that has been partitioned, enhancing their comprehension of how numbers can be broken down into tens and ones.

The lesson continues with an exercise that combines mathematics with vocabulary, as students are prompted to use comparative words such as 'taller' and 'shorter' to complete sentences about the relative heights of a hippo and a giraffe. This not only reinforces their understanding of measurement but also integrates language skills into the maths lesson. Further, they are asked to apply the concepts of weight by adding the words 'heavier', 'lighter', or 'equal to' into sentences, allowing them to make connections between numerical values and physical attributes. These activities are designed to be engaging and interactive, ensuring that students are able to grasp the foundational concepts of place value and comparisons within a practical context.