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In New Zealand schools (specifically for Year 1 / Phase 1), the math focus for 5-year-olds has shifted toward a more structured approach with the 2025/2026 curriculum refresh. The goal is to move children from "guessing" to "knowing" by building a rock-solid foundation in number sense.
Number Knowledge
Number Knowledge
This is the heart of Year 1 math. The focus is on:
Counting with Confidence: Counting forwards and backwards to at least 20 (and ideally up to 100 as the year progresses).
Number Recognition: Being able to read and write numbers up to 20.
Finger Patterns and "Subitising": Recognizing small groups of objects (like dots on a dice or fingers held up) instantly without needing to count them one by one.
Basic Facts: Learning "finger patterns" to 5 and 10, and beginning to understand doubles (e.g.2 + 2 = 4).
Woodin up to five.pngSubitising - Instantly recognising an amount
We begin with the Woodin patterns up to 5, then 10. We flash the amount up and encourage each other to read the amount, NOT count them.
We also use dice dot patterns, finger patterns and ten frames.
Woodin up to ten.pngnumbers 1-10.pdfWe practise writing our numbers daily, with a strong focus on correct formation.
We also use this time to work out the number before or after.
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