Students Struggling to Learn the Numbers 1-5

Math? What? Do
I have to learn the numbers? 3, 1, 0, I don’t know which of those is one!

The Foundations of Mathematics

Recognizing numbers, understanding that each number represents a quantity, and knowing that the value of numbers can change depending on the operation being used, are the foundations of Mathematics. Our kids need to learn the numbers. 

PreKinder and Kindergarten teachers will have kids, that as the school year goes on, are still not catching on to the numbers. They need to recognize the symbol that is used for a number. Some kids will call every number you show them a “1”. 

Teaching Math to Young Learners

As the years have gone by teaching math to these young learners, I have found that these kids need to be constantly exposed to the numbers in a variety of ways. Even as the math curriculum moves on to the next skill, the kids still need to be working on number skills. We always need to circle back to what has already been taught in math.

Creating a Number-Rich Classroom

Make your classroom a number-rich place. As the day goes on you can point to the clock and say to your students, "it is 8:00, time to start the day." Have them look at the clock and point out what numbers the clock hands are on. The small hour hand is on the 10, "Where do we go at 10:00 on Tuesdays?" Ask questions like, "How many desks are in this row? Let's count. Write a 5 on your desk/ whiteboards." I am passing out pencils, help me count the pencils as I pass them out. Write the number on your tables." There are so many ways you can make their day a number-rich day!

A Teaching Resource That Could Help

I put together a math packet just focusing on the first 5 numbers. It can certainly be used with your students at the beginning of the year. But, you can pull this resource out for the kids who after the first quarter are still struggling with those basic numbers. 1-5 Math provides several different activities on number recognition and number sense. This is an expansive packet that exposes them to different types of activities that are hands-on by counting, matching, coloring, cutting, and gluing. The activities also get more challenging as they go through each activity. It includes a reference card for the students and brag tags.

Take a look.

1 – 5 Math Activities

Different representations
 of the numbers.

Number Order
Puzzle

Number and
word-formation

And Much More

I know you put much time and thought into your students and classroom. The pandemic has added even more challenges to your day. Please know that I appreciate what you do!

Debbie - Froggy About Teaching on Amped Up Learning

Froggy About Teaching Resources on Teachers Pay Teachers