---
title: "Reading and writing numbers to 20"
description: "Read and write numerals from 0 to 20"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-writing-numbers-to-20-mt_fR0UtsSREU
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-writing-numbers-to-20-mt_fR0UtsSREU.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Reading and writing numbers to 20

Read and write numerals from 0 to 20

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Number Representation & Place Value · Ages 5 to 6
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-writing-numbers-to-20-mt_fR0UtsSREU

## Ready when they can

- Read any numeral 0–20 when shown it
- Write numerals 0–20 legibly from dictation
- Represent a number of objects with the correct written numeral

## Lesson: Reading and writing numbers to 20

Numbers after nine use two digits. The first digit means tens. The second digit means ones.

*(drawing: Ten blocks and seven more blocks make seventeen.)*

**Example.** Mia hears the word twelve. She writes a one, then a two. That makes 12.

Twenty uses both spots too. The 2 counts two whole tens, and the 0 shows there are no extra ones.

**Tip.** Read digits left to right. First digit is tens. Second digit is ones.

**Recap.** Two digits make numbers after nine: first tens, second ones.

## Practice

32 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [How Many in Total?](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/how-many-in-total-mt_dmNvjroCPT)
- [Writing digits 0-9](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/writing-digits-0-9-mt_oAK9GXSfqV)

## Opens up

- [Telling Time: Hours and Half Hours](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/telling-time-hours-and-half-hours-mt_0XxyaQLRhn)
- [Reading +, −, and = symbols](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-symbols-mt_8RmpkDxT9L)
- [Number Words to Twenty](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/number-words-to-twenty-mt_9IzhGUZ30z)
- [Coin Values](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/coin-values-mt_cPZwlUk8Nd)
- [Reading and writing numbers to 100](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-writing-numbers-to-100-mt_x8TshvbbQT)
- [The teen numbers](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/the-teen-numbers-mt_xmmgAzxe5j)