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Maths

Packing for a Trip

Overview

Children help pack items for a trip by counting the correct number.

Learning Objective
Children count objects and match them to numbers in a practical situation.

Resources needed

  • Bag or container
  • Different small objects
  • Number cards (optional)

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Tell a story: 'Sam is going on a trip and needs help packing.'
  2. 2 Show a number (e.g. 4) and say: 'We need 4 items.'
  3. 3 Children count out the correct number of objects.
  4. 4 Check together by counting aloud.
  5. 5 Make a mistake and ask children to fix it.
  6. 6 Repeat with different numbers.
  7. 7 Ask children to explain how they know the number is correct.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Use larger numbers
  • Add more than one type of item
  • Let children create their own packing lists
More information

Adapt the story to a locally familiar journey (e.g. going to market, visiting a relative).

Reduce the number of item types for children who need a simpler task.

Do children count objects as they place them, or count the group afterwards? Can they spot and correct an error?

Any bag or container works, including a cloth tied at the corners. Use whatever small objects are available in the classroom or outdoors.

Children may count the objects already in the bag rather than the ones being added, or lose track when multiple types of item are involved. Keep to one object type until counting is secure.

Activity details
Early Years Medium 15–20 minutes 5 minutes prep Small Group, Whole Class Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Counting Problem Solving