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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use my knowledge of counting forwards and backwards to and from 100 and comparing numbers within 20 when solving problems.

      Key learning points

      1. When we count a number of objects, we can use a range of strategies to find the total.
      2. We can start a count from any number and count forwards or backwards.
      3. We can use 'greater than', 'less than' and 'equal to' to compare numbers.
      4. We can represent these using the mathematical symbols > , < and =

      Keywords

      • Strategy - A plan or method to achieve a specific goal.

      • More than - Greater quantity or value.

      • Greater than - Bigger/larger in value or size.

      • Less than - Smaller in size referring to abstract or continuous number. E.g. less water, fewer drops.

      Common misconception

      Mistakes when counting in ones. Children may not be able to visualise numbers to see which is more/greater than, less than or equal to.

      Children should continue to practise counting forwards and backwards from a given number to increase confidence of counting within 100. Use number lines or one hundred squares to help children visualise numbers and support comparison.

      Teacher tip

      This unit focuses on consolidating knowledge and understanding gained in Year 1 through realising the maths in the world around us. This lesson highlights some examples of activities to get children counting and comparing every day. Activities can be adapted to suit children's interests.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Lucas is counting forwards. What is the last number he will say in his count?

      An image in a quiz
      30
      Correct answer: 40
      50

      Q2.
      Which number comes next in each count?

      Correct Answer:Count forwards in twos 2, 4, 6, 8,,10

      10

      Correct Answer:Count forwards in fives 5, 10, 15,,20

      20

      Correct Answer:Count forwards in ones 27, 28, 29,,30

      30

      Correct Answer:Count backwards in tens 70, 60, 50, ,40

      40

      Q3.
      What does each symbol represent when comparing numbers?

      Correct Answer:<,is less than

      is less than

      Correct Answer:=,is equal to

      is equal to

      Correct Answer:>,is greater than

      is greater than

      Q4.
      Which expressions are correct?

      Correct answer: 5 > 4
      9 < 7
      Correct answer: 6 < 10
      4 > 8

      Q5.
      Match the statement to the correct number.

      Correct Answer:Counting in ones, the number after 30,31

      31

      Correct Answer:Counting in ones, the number before 26,25

      25

      Correct Answer:The number between 28 and 30,29

      29

      Q6.
      True or false. When counting from 35 to 54, I will say the number 45

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: True
      False

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What number will come next when you complete the count?

      Correct Answer:68, 67, 66,,65

      65

      Correct Answer:27, 28, 29,,30

      30

      Correct Answer:53, 54, 55,,56

      56

      Q2.
      Aisha used the strategy of counting leaves in twos. How many leaves altogether?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 12

      Q3.
      Sam used the strategy of counting leaves in fives. She has two groups of 5 and one more leaf. How many leaves altogether?

      An image in a quiz
      10
      Correct answer: 11
      15

      Q4.
      Match the statement to the correct number.

      Correct Answer:One more than 17 is ,18

      18

      Correct Answer:One less than 20 is,19

      19

      Correct Answer:Two more than 15 is ,17

      17

      Correct Answer:Two less than 18 is ,16

      16

      Q5.
      The children compared their scores from a running race. Andeep scored 14 Jun scored 12 Which statements are correct?

      Correct answer: 14 is greater than 12
      12 is greater than 14
      Correct answer: 12 is less than 14
      14 is less than 11

      Q6.
      Laura and Alex timed their race. Which is the correct symbol to use when comparing their scores?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: <
      =
      >

      To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Counting and comparing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...