Finding the missing numbers
You can work out what the missing number is on a number track or number line.
Finding the missing numbers
You can work out what the missing number is on a number track or number line.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Secure knowledge and recognition of the digits 0-10 to work out missing numbers on both number track and number lines.
Keywords
One more than - One more than is when there is a greater amount by one or another item in the set.
One less than - One less than is when there is a smaller amount by one or an item has been removed from the set.
Compare - When you compare you look for what is the same and what is different. It is good to know if one number is the same as, smaller than or bigger than another number.
Order - We can order numbers from the smallest to the largest or from the largest to the smallest. The order stays the same when you count.
Common misconception
Pupils may not realise that a count with a missing number or number in the wrong place is incorrect.
Reinforce the stable order of counting to and from 10 and highlight clearly when the order is not correct or there is a number missing.
To help you plan your year 1 maths lesson on: Finding the missing numbers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 1 maths lesson on: Finding the missing numbers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 maths lessons from the Counting, recognising and comparing numbers 0 - 10 unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions






Exit quiz
6 Questions










