L5– WWW – Y1 Missing Numbers

Working Without Worksheets – Year 1 Lesson 5: Missing Number Problems within 10 Turn your pupils into number detectives with this Working Without Worksheets lesson for Year 1 Addition and Subtraction. Instead of worksheets, children solve missing number problems using counters, number lines, and reasoning strategies, before recording neatly in their maths books. The lesson begins with a lively counting warm-up and a 1 more/1 less quick-fire challenge. Pupils are then introduced to missing number problems such as: 6 + ___ = 10 ___ – 3 = 6 9 + ___ = 10 Children explore how missing numbers can be found by adding, subtracting, or using fact families, with teacher modelling using counters and number lines. In independent practice, pupils choose missing number problems displayed around the classroom, solve them using practical resources, and record both the working and number sentences in their books. A fun “find the treasure” plenary keeps engagement high while reinforcing the key skills. What’s Included in the Pack? ✔ Full teacher planning with objectives, methods, and plenary guidance ✔ Starter: counting warm-up and 1 more/1 less quick-fire challenge ✔ Vocabulary focus: total, subtraction, part, whole, sum, altogether, represent, missing ✔ Practical tasks: solve missing number problems using counters and number lines ✔ Independent activity: choose and solve classroom missing number challenges, recording neatly in books ✔ Plenary: treasure hunt challenge using a missing number puzzle ✔ No worksheets—children record directly in their books Why Teachers Love This Resource: ✔ Turns abstract missing number problems into practical investigations ✔ Builds fluency with fact families and flexible strategies ✔ Keeps children engaged with active challenges and a treasure hunt plenary ✔ Worksheet-free: encourages independence and accountability in maths books ✔ Saves prep time with ready-made slides and planning Curriculum Links (Year 1: Addition and Subtraction): This lesson supp