Design a lesson on

teaching time (birthday chart) for Grade R. Your lesson plan should include activities for
adult-guided as well as free-play activities so that learners can practise their mathematical
knowledge and skills (number sense, shape and space, measurement, data handling

1 answer

Lesson Plan: Teaching Time with a Birthday Chart for Grade R

Subject: Mathematical Concepts: Time, Number Sense, Data Handling
Grade Level: R (Reception, typically ages 5-6)
Duration: 60 minutes


Learning Objectives:

  1. Recognize and understand the concept of time through the context of birthdays.
  2. Create and interpret a birthday chart to develop data handling skills.
  3. Develop number sense by counting, ordering, and comparing data.
  4. Explore shapes and space through crafting and visual representations.

Materials Needed:

  • Large chart paper or a whiteboard
  • Markers or crayons
  • Birthday chart template (with months and empty spaces for names)
  • Craft supplies (stickers, cut out shapes, colored paper, glue)
  • Clock pictures (analog and digital)
  • Age of students (to determine the range of birthdays)
  • Small counters or objects for counting activities

Lesson Procedure:

Introduction (10 minutes)

  1. Gather the Learners:

    • Sit in a circle and discuss the concept of birthdays. Ask questions like:
      • "Who had a birthday this month?"
      • "What month is your birthday in?"
  2. Introduce the Birthday Chart:

    • Explain that they will be creating a birthday chart to see how many friends have birthdays in each month.

Adult-Guided Activity (30 minutes)

  1. Create the Birthday Chart (15 minutes):

    • On the large chart paper, draw a grid with the months as headings.
    • Guided by the teacher, students fill in their names under their birth month.
      • For example, if a child has a birthday in May, they will write their name in the "May" section.
    • As names are added, the teacher counts and records how many children share each month.
  2. Counting and Comparison (15 minutes):

    • Once the chart is complete, gather the children's attention and compare numbers:
      • Ask questions such as:
        • "Which month has the most birthdays?"
        • "Which month has the least?"
      • Use small counters or objects to visualize the data.
    • Show them the relationship between the numbers and the chart with counting activities.

Free-Play Activity (20 minutes)

  1. Birthday Craft Stations: Setup different stations where children can engage in free-play activities:

    • Craft Station: Create birthday crowns or cards with stickers and colored paper. Encourage them to design their own birthday chart.
    • Clock Station: Use pictures of clocks to practice clock recognition. They can draw a clock and show what time they wake up on their birthday.
    • Counting Station: Using small objects, children can create a birthday present by stacking a number of "gifts" as per their age or biggest to smallest.
  2. Sharing Time:

    • After visiting the stations, gather the children and have them share their creations.
    • Encourage discussions on what they learned about birthdays and time.

Closing (5 minutes)

  • Review the birthday chart together and celebrate the diversity of birthdays in the class.
  • Reinforce key concepts of time by asking:
    • "When do we celebrate our friends' birthdays?"
    • "What is your favorite part of celebrating a birthday?"

Assessment:

  • Observe children’s participation in creating and discussing the birthday chart.
  • Monitor their engagement in free-play activities and their understanding of time concepts through their responses during the lesson.

Extensions:

  • Create a monthly birthday calendar to hang in the classroom.
  • Introduce the days of the week and talk about how many days there are until the next birthday celebration.

Note: This lesson encourages social interaction, reinforces mathematics skills, and incorporates creativity, making it an engaging experience for young learners.