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Showing numbers many ways

Represent numbers using objects, pictorial representations, and the number line

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What a learner can do afterwards

  • Show a given number using counters, cubes, or fingers
  • Draw a pictorial representation of a quantity (e.g. tally marks, dots)
  • Locate a number on a number line

1 · Read

A number can look many ways. Blocks, dots, fingers, and the number line can all show it.

Tap each block and count out loud.
Five blocks show the number 5.
Try it together

Leo wants to show the number 3. He holds up 3 fingers. Then he draws 3 dots. Both show 3.

012345678910
Find 6 on the number line.
Good to know

Pick the way that helps you see the number best. Objects, pictures, and the number line are all correct.

Objects, pictures, and the number line can all show a number. Any way you pick is correct.

More to read

1.2: Topic B- Counting

You can show any small number with objects. To show 4, lay out 4 counters in a row. The row means 4.

Dots work the same way. Draw 4 dots for 4 cats, one dot per cat. Matching one mark to one thing is called one to one showing.

1.3: Topic C- Place Value

Ten ones make one ten. A ten frame with 10 counters shows one full ten.

Little numbers stay as ones: 6 single cubes show 6. Big blocks of ten are for bigger numbers you will meet later.

1.1 Introduction to Whole Numbers

The number line is a road for numbers. 0 sits at the start, then 1, 2, 3 march on in order.

A frog that jumps 3 steps from 0 lands on 3. Hops on the line show numbers as moves you can see.

Intro to place value: FAQ

Tally marks count in fives. Four tallies plus one across the group means 5.

Tallies, dots, fingers, and cubes all show the same numbers. Good mathematicians pick the picture that fits the job.

Explore more

2 · Watch

Take it off screen

Print a worksheetA4 with an answer key page for grown-ups. No screen, no internet.

Where it sits

Then practise

17 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.

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Showing numbers many ways · Mathematics, ages 4 to 6 · LightMySky