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Stacks On! - Build, Count and Learn
F 1 Pre & Primary Essentials Games & Activities Resources Mathematics Number & Place Value 4 Pages

Stacks On! - Build, Count and Learn

Stacks On! is a hands-on counting and number recognition activity designed for early learners. Students use counters or Unifix blocks to stack the correct number of objects on each numeral, reinforcing their ability to subitise, count, and match numbers in a fun and engaging way. This resource helps build one-to-one correspondence, early numeracy skills, and fine motor development.

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Learning goals

  • We are learning to read, write and order numbers to 20 using concrete materials, connecting quantities, numerals and number names.
  • We are learning to recognise and name the number of objects in a collection up to 5 using subitising.
  • We are learning to count collections to 20 and explain our reasons.
  • We are learning to read, write, name and order two-digit numbers to at least 120 using concrete materials, hundred charts and number lines.
  • We are learning to show that one- and two-digit numbers can be partitioned in different ways, such as partitioning two-digit numbers into tens and ones.
  • We are learning to count collections of items (e.g. coins) and skip count by 5s or 10s to record how many in the collection.
  • We are learning to count forwards and backwards up to 20.
  • We are learning to compare and order numbers to 20 using words such as ‘more’, ‘less’, ‘same’ or ‘first’, ‘second’, ‘third’.
  • We are learning to subitise small collections of objects.
  • We are learning to read, write, model and represent numbers to 100 in different ways and on number lines.
  • We are learning to count collections to 100 using place value groupings.
  • We are learning to count in ones, twos, fives and tens, to and from 100.

Curriculum alignment

MA1-6NA old Uses a range of mental strategies and concrete materials for multiplication and division MA1-4NA old Applies place value, informally, to count, order, read and represent two- and three-digit numbers MA1-3WM old Supports conclusions by explaining or demonstrating how answers were obtained MA1-2WM old Uses objects, diagrams and technology to explore mathematical problems MA1-1WM old Describes mathematical situations and methods using everyday and some mathematical language, actions, materials, diagrams and symbols MAe-4NA old Counts to 30, and orders, reads and represents numbers in the range 0 to 20 MAe-3WM old Uses concrete materials and/or pictorial representations to support conclusions MAe-2WM old Uses objects, actions, technology and/or trial and error to explore mathematical problems MAe-1WM old Describes mathematical situations using everyday language, actions, materials and informal recordings MAE-RWN-02 new Reads numerals and represents whole numbers to at least 20 MA1-FG-01 new Uses the structure of equal groups to solve multiplication problems, and shares or groups to solve division problems MAE-RWN-01 new Demonstrates an understanding of how whole numbers indicate quantity MA1-RWN-02 new Reasons about representations of whole numbers to 1000, partitioning numbers to use and record quantity values MAE-CSQ-01 new Reasons about number relations to model addition and subtraction by combining and separating, and comparing collections MA1-RWN-01 new Applies an understanding of place value and the role of zero to read, write and order two- and three-digit numbers
VCMNA071 Subitise small collections of objects VCMNA087 Recognise, model, read, write and order numbers to at least 100. Locate these numbers on a number line VCMNA088 Count collections to 100 by partitioning numbers using place value VCMNA072 Compare, order and make correspondences between collections, initially to 20, and explain reasoning VCMNA069 Establish understanding of the language and processes of counting by naming numbers in sequences, initially to and from 20, moving from any starting point VCMNA086 Develop confidence with number sequences to and from 100 by ones from any starting point. Skip count by twos, fives and tens starting from zero

Australian Curriculum covers QLD / SA / WA / NT / TAS / ACT.

Differentiation

Modifications

•    Print in A3 size for a larger interactive experience.
•    Provide a laminated version for repeated classroom use.
•    Use different coloured counters or blocks to represent various numbers and patterns.

Extensions

•    Have students predict and check the total before stacking.
•    Challenge students to add two stacks together to introduce basic addition.
•    Use dice to roll a number and stack the corresponding amount.

Teach it your way

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