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Physical Education

Number Run

Overview

Numbers are placed around the space. Children run to the correct number when called.

Learning Objective
Children practise running while reinforcing number recognition and simple maths.

Resources needed

  • Numbers written on ground or paper
  • Open outdoor space

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Write numbers 1–10 around the space (in soil, on paper, or on stones).
  2. 2 Children move freely in the middle.
  3. 3 Call a number — children run to it and stand on it.
  4. 4 Last one to arrive does 5 jumps on the spot.
  5. 5 Add maths: call an addition — e.g. '2 + 3' — children run to 5.
  6. 6 Call 'one more than 7' — children run to 8.
  7. 7 End with all children running to number 1 and sitting.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Call a subtraction instead of addition.
  • Call the number in a different language.
  • Hop to even numbers, run to odd numbers.
More information

Cross-curricular with maths. Call numbers in the language of instruction. Children benefit from hearing numbers in context while moving.

Use only numbers 1–5 for younger or less confident children.

Can children respond quickly and accurately to the number called? Do they understand simple additions when used as clues?

Write numbers in soil with a stick. No paper or printed resources needed.

Children sometimes follow others rather than working out the answer themselves. Spread children out so they cannot easily copy.

Cross-curricular PE activities reinforce learning from other subjects. Number recognition and mental maths improve through repeated physical engagement.

Activity details
Primary Easy 15 minutes 5 minutes prep Whole Class Outdoor
Topics
Running Maths Link Listening