Max Maths, Year 1, Learn together, Counting by twos, fives and tens

In the 'Max Maths' Year 1 learning module, children are encouraged to explore and recognise patterns in sequences of numbers. The exercise focuses on counting by twos, fives, and tens, a foundational skill in early mathematics that helps to build an understanding of number sequences and multiplication. Students are presented with a colourful array of numbers where the blue and green squares highlight different sequences. The blue numbers begin at 2 and increase by increments of 5 (2, 7, 12, and so on), while the green numbers start at 5 and also rise by 5 each time (5, 10, 15, and so on). This visual representation aids children in identifying the pattern of counting in fives, which is an essential step towards mastering skip counting and preparing for more advanced arithmetic concepts.

The activity's design is interactive, prompting the young learners to observe and contemplate the relationship between the numbers. By asking if they see a pattern, the exercise not only reinforces their counting skills but also develops their analytical thinking. The patterns within the sequence are straightforward yet effectively illustrate the concept of skip counting, which is a critical skill in the Year 1 maths curriculum. The students learn to recognise and predict the continuation of the sequences, which is a fundamental aspect of numerical fluency and a building block for future mathematical learning, including multiplication tables and number properties.