Reception Maths – Autumn Block 6: 1 to 5

The development of a deep understanding of numbers is essential for early mathematical success. In Autumn Block 6: 1 to 5 pupils will extend their knowledge of numbers to 5. This unit builds on previous learning, reinforcing key concepts such as subitising, number composition, and number relationships. By the end of this block, pupils will have a solid foundation in recognising, subitising, and representing numbers 4 and 5, and begin to explore how numbers can be manipulated through simple addition and subtraction. Aligned with the White Rose progression, this unit ensures a structured approach to help pupils gain fluency and confidence in working with numbers within 5.

Week 10: Exploring Numbers 4 and 5

This week, pupils will focus on numbers 4 and 5. By engaging in a range of hands-on activities and practical tasks, pupils will develop their ability to recognise and work with these numbers.

– Find 4 and 5: Pupils will engage in activities where they locate and identify the numbers 4 and 5 in various contexts, such as number lines, pictures, and objects. They will begin to understand the value of these numbers and how they relate to the world around them. Pupils will also work with different representations of these numbers, helping them to recognise the diversity of ways in which numbers can be displayed.

– Subitise 4 and 5: Subitising, or recognising small quantities without counting, will be practised with 4 and 5. Pupils will explore dot patterns, number tracks, and visual arrangements that support instant recognition of these numbers. This activity helps to develop number sense, encouraging pupils to understand that numbers 4 and 5 remain the same regardless of their arrangement.

– Represent 4 and 5: Pupils will create different representations of numbers 4 and 5 using counters, drawings, or physical objects. This helps to reinforce their understanding of how these numbers can be broken down or built up in different ways. Activities such as using blocks to build the numbers in a 5-frame or drawing pictures that represent quantities will support this concept.

Week 11: One More, One Less, and Number Composition

With a strong understanding of numbers 4 and 5, pupils will now explore how these numbers can be increased and decreased. This is a key step in developing addition and subtraction concepts.

– 1 More:Pupils will explore the concept of adding one more to a number, starting with 4 and 5. Through hands-on counting activities and practical tasks, they will learn how to add one to a given number and recognise how this changes the quantity. Pupils will use objects like counters or number lines to help them visualise this concept.

– 1 Less: Pupils will also explore what happens when one is taken away from a number. They will begin to understand simple subtraction by removing one object from a group of 4 or 5 and observing the result. This concept is essential for building number sense and supporting future work with more complex addition and subtraction.

– Composition of 4 and 5: Pupils will learn that numbers can be composed of smaller parts. For example, 4 can be made up of 3 and 1, or 2 and 2, and 5 can be made up of 4 and 1, or 3 and 2. Through activities like part-whole models and practical grouping tasks, pupils will develop an understanding of how numbers are made up and can be split into smaller quantities.

Meeting the Early Learning Goals (ELG)

This unit supports the development of key skills as outlined in the Early Learning Goals (ELG) for mathematics. By focusing on numbers 4 and 5, pupils will work towards the following goals:

– Subitise up to 5:  Pupils will continue to build on their ability to recognise quantities up to 5 without counting, further developing their fluency in number recognition.
– Verbally count beyond 20: This unit supports pupils in counting beyond 20 as they develop a stronger understanding of numbers, patterns, and relationships. Counting practice will include recognising the pattern in numbers as they count higher.
– Explore and represent patterns within numbers up to 10: Pupils will investigate even and odd numbers, doubling facts, and how numbers can be shared equally. This helps them to build a solid understanding of how numbers relate to each other.
– Deep understanding of numbers to 10: Pupils will gain a deeper understanding of numbers to 10, including the composition of each number and how different parts can make up a whole.

Why This Unit Matters

Building a deep understanding of numbers 1 to 5 is a crucial step in early mathematical learning. This unit provides pupils with a solid foundation in recognising, subitising, and representing numbers 4 and 5. It also introduces essential addition and subtraction concepts, such as “one more” and “one less”, which are the building blocks of more complex mathematical thinking. By engaging in hands-on activities, practical tasks, and using visual representations, pupils will gain confidence in working with numbers and develop the number sense they need for future learning.

Aligned with the White Rose small steps progression, this unit ensures a structured approach to developing mathematical fluency. Pupils will not only recognise and represent numbers 4 and 5, but also begin to understand how these numbers can be manipulated, split into parts, and related to other numbers. Through engaging and interactive learning experiences, this unit helps to establish the foundations for future success in mathematics.

Explore our EYFS maths scheme of work for Reception aged children