Learning Objective:
Number and Place Value - Read Roman numerals to 1000 (M) and recognise years written in Roman numerals
Resources
- A piece of paper and pencil for each child, clipboard
- A selection of sticks smaller than 20cm in length, or lolly sticks - Pre prepared A3 sheet with Roman Numeral examples of 1 – 10 and a second sheet with 1 = I, 5 = V,10 = X, 50 = L, C = 100, D = 500, M = 1000.
- 4 Pre prepared A5 sheets or postcards with a selection of 3 or 4 numbers
- 4 pre prepared cards or sheets with one 3, 4 or 5 digit number and the number in Roman Numerals on.
Introduction
Show the children the chart with the 1-10 Roman Numerals, and ask them to copy them on the playground with chalk. Call out a variety of numbers to the class, ask them write down on their paper the correct Roman numeral for that number using the chalked numerals as a prompt. Repeat this process with the second sheet. Then divide the class in to four groups, and give each group a postcard with the selection of numbers. The group should form the numbers on the cards in numerals with their sticks and then record them on their sheets. Visit each group and take a picture of their answers.
Activity
Roman Hangman! Give each group a post card with a number and the correct Roman Numeral on. Two teams must oppose the remaining two teams. The challenging teams must draw blank lines with chalk for every numeral on the card. The other team must present their guesses by forming the numeral with the sticks. For every incorrect guess, the challenging team must draw the hangman lines, starting with the post the man hangs, then the head, the body, the arms and the legs, and finally a noose. If the hangman is hanged, the other team loses and the challenging team must make the numerals with the sticks on the blank spaces. Swap over, so each of the four groups has at least one turn to be the challengers.
Extension
Using the large prompt sheets again, ask the groups to use their sticks to form Roman Numerals for two years, for example 2017 and 1999.
