L4 Spring Read & Write Numbers to 20 in Numerals and Words

Working Without Worksheets – Year 1 Lesson: Read and Write Numbers from 1 to 20 in Numerals and Words Build fluency in recognising, reading, and writing numbers to 20 with this interactive Working Without Worksheets lesson for Year 1 Place Value. Designed for classrooms that prioritise active learning over worksheets, this pack combines practical games, active exploration, and independent book recording to secure early number knowledge. The lesson begins with a percussion-based starter where pupils count and tap the correct number of beats for number words. Children are then guided through a number track to 20, reading each number and discussing tricky spellings such as eleven, twelve, thirteen, fifteen, and eighteen. Pupils practise matching numerals to their written words through activities such as a classroom Number Word Scavenger Hunt, before writing given numbers in both forms directly into their maths books. The plenary reinforces learning with a fun challenge to spot and write numbers found around the classroom. What’s Included in the Pack? ✔ Full teacher planning with objectives, activities, and plenary guidance ✔ Starter: count and tap along with number words to 10 ✔ Vocabulary focus: numeral, word, digit, spell, write ✔ Practical task: read and order numbers on a track to 20 ✔ Active task: classroom Number Word Scavenger Hunt ✔ Independent activity: write numbers from 1 to 20 in numerals and words ✔ Plenary: number-spotting challenge to apply knowledge ✔ No worksheets—children record directly in their books Why Teachers Love This Resource: ✔ Makes reading and writing numbers to 20 engaging and memorable ✔ Combines number fluency, spelling, and handwriting practice ✔ Fully aligned with the Year 1 National Curriculum for maths ✔ Worksheet-free: encourages independence and neat presentation in books ✔ Active and interactive structure keeps children motivated Curriculum Links (Year 1: Number and Place Value): This lesson supports pupils to: ✔ Read and write