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Year 1 - Maths

Count efficiently in groups of two, five and ten

Unitising and coin recognition - counting in 2s, 5s and 10s

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will count efficiently in groups of 2 5 10. They will recognise and explain the value of 1p 2p 5p 10p coins and how a single coin can be worth several pennies. 

Lesson Summary

You will learn to count efficiently in twos, fives and tens, choosing the most appropriate unit to count in.

Key Notes

  • The amount in a group can tell you whether to skip count in twos, fives or tens.
  • The pattern of the ones digits can help you recognise groups of two, five or ten.
  • It is more efficient to count in groups of a larger size.
  • When there are an equal number of groups, the larger the size of each group, the greater the amount altogether.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Tens: Another name for the multiples of ten.
  • Twos: Another name for the multiples of two or even numbers.
  • Fives: Another name for the multiples of five
  • Skip count: Counting forwards or backwards in a number other than one.
  • Efficiently: Not wasting time or effort. An efficient strategy is one we can carry out easily.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children may not be sure which unit to count in. They may confuse the size of the group with the number of groups, for example saying 5 groups of 2 instead of 2 groups of 5.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

The amount in a group can tell you whether to skip count in twos, fives or tens. The pattern of the ones digits can help you recognise groups of two, five or ten.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Tens'

Another name for the multiples of ten. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Children may not be sure which unit to count in. They may confuse the size of the group with the number of groups, for example saying 5 groups of 2 instead of 2 groups of 5. Correction: Encourage children to draw a ring around each group as they count the groups and display and use the stem sentence to help them describe this.

More Lessons In This Unit

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