Home > Early Stage 1 > Representing whole numbers > Climbing the number ladder
Use the counting sequence of ones flexibly
Count forwards to at least 30 and state the number after or before a given number, without needing to count from one
Count backwards from a given number 20 or less
Agility ladders (enough for 2-3 students per ladder)
1 x 20-sided dice per agility ladder
Chalk
Set up ladders in parallel and spaced apart in a large flat area.
Place a 20 sided dice at the end of each ladder.
Groups of students begin by lining up in height order at their designated agility ladder. Students take it in turns to 'Climb the number ladder', by following the steps below:
roll the dice
state the number represented on the dice
hop through the ladder counting to the number they said
write the number in chalk on the corresponding rung of the ladder
run back on the left-hand side of the ladder
tag the next person in line who repeats the step above.
Encourage students waiting in line to perform a physical activity while their peer is moving through the ladder. For example, if a 5 is selected, other students can complete 5- star jumps.
The game is finished when the ladder has all numbers 1 – 20 written on it.
Roll 2 dice. Place the largest number on the ladder (number line) and count on to perform addition.
Students roll 2 dice. Place the largest number at the end of the ladder (number line) and count back to subtract.