You will learn
- Read the number words zero to ten.
- Write the numerals 0 to 20.
- Match numerals to number words and to groups.
- Tell the difference between numerals with one digit and two digits.
Version 0.2 · expanded edition · expert review pending Standards alignment: pending verification. Written in the style of common primary school assessments. No exam result is promised.
Student lesson
- A numeral is the symbol, like 7.
- A number word is the word, like seven.
- They name the same number.
- From 10 up, numbers use two digits, like 12.
Words to know
A written symbol for a number, like 8.
The word we say or write for a number, like eight.
One of the symbols 0 to 9. The number 12 uses two digits.
The number for none, written 0.
1. Discover: one number, two ways
Look at the symbol 5. Now look at the word five. They mean the same number!
We can say a number, write it as a symbol, or write it as a word.
2. Understand: numerals and words
A numeral is the symbol for a number. A number word is how we say and spell it.
| 0 zero | 1 one | 2 two | 3 three | 4 four | 5 five |
| 6 six | 7 seven | 8 eight | 9 nine | 10 ten | 11 eleven |
Numbers 0 to 9 use one digit. From 10 we use two digits: 10, 11, 12, up to 20. Write each digit the right way round, starting at the top.
Idea 1: One number, two ways to write it
The fingers on one hand can be written 5 or five. The symbol 5 is the numeral. The word five is the number word.
Why two ways? Numerals are short and quick. Words show how we say the number.
Idea 2: Write numerals the right way
Start at the top. Make each numeral the same size and sit it on the line. Go slowly.
Turned-around numerals are common at first. Keep practising and they get better.
Idea 3: One digit or two digits
The numbers 0 to 9 have one digit. The numbers 10 and up have two digits.
In 12, the 1 means one ten and the 2 means two ones.
3. Worked examples
Example 1 (I show you): Write the numeral
Write the numeral for the word eight.
- Say the word: eight.
- Count eight things: 1 to 8.
- Write the symbol.
Answer: 8
Example 2 (We do it together): Write the word
Write the word for 6.
- Count six things.
- Say the number.
- Write the word.
Answer: six
Example 3 (You try): Write fourteen
Write fourteen as a numeral.
Show the steps and answer
- Fourteen is ten and four.
- Write 1 for the ten.
- Write 4 for the ones.
Answer: 14
Did you know?
The numerals we use today came from India to the Arab world and then to Europe a very long time ago. They are called Hindu-Arabic numerals.
Why this matters
We read numbers on clocks, prices, house doors and bus signs. We write numbers to keep scores and to tell other people how many.
4. Explore: match and write
You need paper and a pencil.
- Write the numerals 0 to 10 in a row.
- Under each numeral write its number word.
- Draw dots to show the number for 3, 6 and 9.
- Read your list out loud to a partner.
Think about it: what did you notice?
Each number can be shown as a numeral, a word and a group of objects. All three mean the same.
5. Practise
Say it in a sentence
Use these starters when you talk about the lesson. Say them out loud.
- The numeral ___ is the word ___.
- ___ has ___ digits.
- I write the number word ___ as ___.
- The 1 in ___ means one ten.
Guided practice
Question 1. Which numeral is the word seven?
7.
Question 2. How do we write the number twelve?
12, with a 1 then a 2.
Question 3. What is the word for the numeral 5?
five.
Independent practice
Level 1: Start
- Write the numerals from 0 to 10.
- Write the number word for 9.
- Write the numeral for fourteen.
- Draw 6 dots and write the numeral and the word.
- Write the numeral for twenty.
Level 2: Grow
- Write the numerals for four, nine and seven.
- Write the words for 3, 10 and 1.
- Match 5, 12 and 8 to five, eight and twelve.
Level 3: Stretch
- Write the numeral and the word for the number after 17.
- How many digits are in 9, 10 and 20?
- Write fifteen, six and twenty in order from smallest, as numerals.
Answers are in the answer key below. Try first, then check.
6. Apply: everyday mathematics
A ticket says: “Seat nine”. Which numeral should be on the seat?
Show a sample answer
The numeral 9.
Another one. A bus has the number 12. How do you write that number as a word?
Show a sample answer
The word is twelve.
7. Common mistakes
Fix: Say the number, then write the first digit first: twelve is 1 then 2.
Fix: Say it as ten and two. Write the ten first: 12.
Fix: Count the symbols. 10 has two symbols, 1 and 0, so it has two digits.
8. Lesson summary and revision card
- I can read the number words zero to ten.
- I can write the numerals 0 to 20.
- I can match numerals, words and groups.
- I can tell if a numeral has one digit or two.
9. Check and master
Answer all 14 questions. You will see feedback after each one.
Your result appears here after you answer every question.
10. Key takeaways
- Numbers can be shown as a numeral, a word, or a group of objects.
- Numbers 0 to 9 have one digit; 10 to 20 have two digits.
- Write digits the right way round.
11. Next lesson
Lesson 5: Comparing numbers. You will decide which number is greater or less.
Exam practice
These questions are written in the style of common school and international primary assessments. Try them on your own, without looking back. Then check your answers in the marking guide. The marks are shown in brackets.
- Write the numeral for the word twelve. [1 mark]
- Write the number word for 8. [1 mark]
- Write these as numerals: six, fourteen, twenty. [3 marks]
- Draw 7 stars. Write the numeral and the word. [2 marks]
- How many digits does 18 have? Say what each digit means. [2 marks]
Total: 9 marks.
Marking guide and model answers
- 12 [1]
- eight [1]
- 6 [1], 14 [1], 20 [1]
- 7 stars drawn [1]. 7 and seven [1].
- Two digits [1]. The 1 means one ten and the 8 means eight ones [1].
Score guide: 8 to 9 = secure. 6 to 7 = nearly there, revise the parts you missed. Under 6 = work through the lesson again with a grown-up.
Printable worksheet
- Write the numeral for four.
- Write the word for 7.
- Write the numeral for thirteen.
- Write the word for 2.
- Draw 8 circles and write the numeral.
- Write the numeral for five.
- Write the word for 13.
- Draw 9 dots and write the numeral.
- Write the numeral for the word sixteen.
- Which has two digits, 8 or 18?
Homework
Write the numerals 0 to 10 on paper and the number word under each one. Ask a family member to point to a numeral so you can say the word.
Answer key and marking scheme
| Question | Expected response | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Numeral for four | 4 | 2 |
| Word for 7 | seven | 2 |
| Numeral for thirteen | 13 | 2 |
| Word for 2 | two | 2 |
| Draw 8 and write numeral | 8 circles and 8 | 2 |
| Total | 10 |
Practice answers: Worksheet: 1 4; 2 seven; 3 13; 4 two; 5 eight circles and 8.
Quiz answers: 1 B, 2 A, 3 C, 4 A, 5 C, 6 A, 7 B, 8 C, 9 A, 10 B, 11 C, 12 A, Challenge 1 B, Challenge 2 C.
Extra worksheet answers (items 6 onward): 6 5; 7 thirteen; 8 nine dots and 9; 9 16; 10 18.
Independent practice answers. Level 1: 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10; 2 nine; 3 14; 4 six dots, 6, six; 5 20. Level 2: 1 4, 9, 7; 2 three, ten, one; 3 5 is five, 12 is twelve, 8 is eight. Level 3: 1 18, eighteen; 2 9 has one digit. 10 and 20 have two digits.; 3 6, 15, 20.
Mastery and remediation
| Objective | Bronze (Developing) | Silver (Proficient) | Gold (Advanced) |
|---|---|---|---|
| O1 Read the number words zero to ten | Shows this with help from an adult or a picture | Does this independently and explains how they know | Explains it clearly and uses it in a new situation |
| O2 Write the numerals 0 to 20 | Shows this with help from an adult or a picture | Does this independently and explains how they know | Explains it clearly and uses it in a new situation |
| O3 Match numerals to number words and to groups | Shows this with help from an adult or a picture | Does this independently and explains how they know | Explains it clearly and uses it in a new situation |
| O4 Tell the difference between numerals with one digit and two digits | Shows this with help from an adult or a picture | Does this independently and explains how they know | Explains it clearly and uses it in a new situation |
Proposed Courseversity thresholds for this page: Bronze = at least 8 of 12 core questions correct; Silver = all 12; Gold = all 12 plus both challenge questions. A badge is never a full record of progress.
If a learner struggles
- Find the misconception: Learners may reverse digits or write 21 for twelve. Say the number first and write the tens digit first.
- Explain another way: use real objects first, then pictures.
- Show a simpler example: Trace large numerals and say the word each time; match numeral cards to counters.
- Guided practice: work through one example together and let the learner try the next one.
- Reassess: use the quiz again or the worksheet.
- Move on when the learner shows Silver-level evidence independently.
For parents and guardians
In this lesson your child reads and writes the numbers 0 to 20 as numerals and as words. You do not need to be good at mathematics to help.
- Find numbers at home: clocks, calendars, food packets, house doors. Read them together.
- Practise writing numerals in sand or flour, or with a finger on a back.
- Match number cards 0 to 20 with number words.
- Ask “how do you know?” after each answer, and listen.
- Praise effort, not only right answers. Mistakes are how we learn.
- Ten to fifteen minutes a day is better than one long session.
Teacher package
1–5. Objectives, prerequisites, materials, preparation, duration
Lesson objectives. Learners will: read the number words zero to ten; write the numerals 0 to 20; match numerals to number words and to groups; tell the difference between numerals with one digit and two digits.
Prerequisite knowledge. Lessons 1 to 3: counting to 20.
Materials. Counters (stones, seeds or bottle tops), paper, pencils, board or chalkboard. Low-resource options: use stones, seeds, sticks, bottle tops or drawings in the sand or on the board instead of printed materials.
Preparation. Gather the counters and draw the example pictures on the board before the lesson.
Suggested duration. 45–60 minutes. It can be split into two shorter sessions.
6–9. Teaching procedure, explanation notes, guided and independent activities
Introduction (5 min). Show the numeral 6 and the word six. Ask what they have in common.
Explanation (10 min). Write numerals 0 to 11 with words. Show that 10 and above use two digits.
Guided activity (10 min). Learners match numeral cards, word cards and groups of counters.
Independent activity (10 min). Learners write numerals and words and draw matching groups.
Assessment and reflection (5 min). Ask each learner to say one thing they learned and how they know it.
Key questions. What is the difference between a numeral and a number word? How many digits are in 16? Which digit shows the ten?
Teacher explanation notes. Use the concrete, pictorial, abstract order: real objects first, then pictures, then symbols and words. Return to real objects whenever a learner needs support.
10–12. Differentiation, formative assessment, common misconceptions
Support. Use real objects and work with a partner; say each step aloud together. Extension. Ask learners to make up their own example and explain it to a partner.
Formative assessment. Listen to learner explanations, ask “how do you know?”, and check the independent work.
Misconceptions. Learners may reverse digits or write 21 for twelve. Say the number first and write the tens digit first.
13–15. Assessment questions, answer keys, marking scheme
Use the quiz and worksheet on this page. The 9-mark exam practice scheme, the 10-mark scheme and all answers are in the answer sections above. Re-check every answer and the marking scheme before publication.
16–19. Remediation, enrichment, homework, teacher reflection
Remediation. Trace large numerals and say the word each time; match numeral cards to counters. Enrichment. Invite learners to find or create three more examples at home or in the classroom and explain them. Homework. See above.
Teacher reflection. After teaching, record: which concepts learners understood; which misconceptions occurred; which activities worked; which learners need more practice; and what to improve next time.
Sources and standards
Alignment is pending verification and no external endorsement is claimed. Reference starting points named in the Courseversity standard: Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, Cambridge Primary and the IB Primary Years Programme. Specific standard codes will be added once checked against the official documents.
Research used to shape this lesson. Common Core K.CC.A.3 (writing numbers 0 to 20); Cambridge Primary Mathematics Stage 1. These sources informed the lesson; no official alignment is claimed.