In every classroom the range of abilities and learning needs varies considerably and is one of the aspects that needs to be considered when planning explicit mat sessions/small group tasks and independent investigation experiences. Some students in our Kindergarten class have an awareness of numbers and making a small collection based on a number whereas some do not. Some students have an awareness of numbers to 10 and beyond, some do not. These abilities needed to be taken into consideration when planning for specific number experiences and provocations. 

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In this instance, a whole class mat session was completed concentrating on counting to 5 then 10, subitising small numbers using a dice, holding up our fingers to match a number and then braking into small groups to practice making small collections to 3, 5, 7 or 10 (depending on the ability of the student). After the mat session, small group experiences were set up for the students to practice the skills they had been exposed to. One activity involved choosing a number with a 10 frame and placing the gems to match. To differentiate this experience, some students were shown small number to 3, some to 5 and others to 10. One student was able to complete this activity with numbers after 10 which he completed with the other students but with a different counting mat. They were also given the opportunity to match number bugs (subitising) as this was slightly easier but still gave them the sense of achievement. 

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Whilst the students were exploring numbers using the number mats, they were also able to utilise a number provocation that had been set up where they could choose a number they felt comfortable with and make a collection using pom poms. They could also explore numerals using felt numbers and gum nuts and number books with collections up to 5 or 10.

EYLF Outcomes: 1.2.3, 4.3.3

NQS Quality Areas: 1, 2, 3 & 5. 

Domains: Personal, social, linguistic, cognitive.