To understand teen numbers, kids need to understand place value. Kids learn to count to 10 but struggle when they get to the teen numbers. So many kids reverse the order of the numerals in teen numbers. Numbers are part of our everyday lives, and we must use these daily opportunities to build kids’ number sense. Talking, playing, and solving math throughout the day builds number sense and the love of mathematics. Students need multiple opportunities to count, represent numbers with objects, and count objects. Let’s make math fun and actively engage kids with various activities so students have a strong sense of numbers.
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- ➕Includes definitions, lesson ideas, mindset surveys for students and teachers, and printable posters.
- 🧠💪Research shows a link between a growth mindset and math success. Kids with a growth mindset about their abilities perform better and are more engaged in the classroom.
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Get this Freebie of 71 Math Number Puzzles delivered to your inbox to use with your students. Providing opportunities to do math puzzles daily is one way to help students develop their number sense. You can also sign up for other freebies from me Here at Easternshoremathteacher.com.
This week, I have been reteaching teen numbers with my first graders. I have been showing them a ten frame with 10 counters and another ten frame with more counters. Then, we write the equation to match the teen number. Sometimes, reading and writing teen-digit numbers can be tricky for little learners. While it’s a skill learned in kindergarten and first grade, it sets the foundation for mathematical building blocks in later grades. There are SO many options for teaching teen numbers. But how can we help our students master teen numbers with ease?
What Are Teen Numbers?
Teen Numbers are the numbers between 10 and 20. We practice representing them by taking a group of ten and adding more. Through engaging methods such as tally marks, ten frames, addition and subtraction equations, coins, and exploring number lines and grids, we open up a world of possibilities for grasping the essence of teen numbers.
Why are Teen Numbers Difficult for Students?
- So many kids reverse the order of the numerals in teen numbers. The main reason for this is the way that we say the words. “Sixteen, Seventeen, Eighteen..” the “six” comes first when we say it, so naturally, kids think that should also be the case when they write it.
- What about Thirteen and Fifteen? We don’t even say those as “Threeteen” or “Fiveteen.” They don’t follow the pattern of the other teen numbers.
- Teen numbers are 10 and some ones. Again, our words don’t help them out. Most of our numbers follow a wonderful pattern except for the teen numbers.
The Teen Number Struggle Is Real
The main reason numbers 11 through 19 are so tricky to master is because they do not follow the standard rule for reading numbers — the language connection to teen numbers is different than most other numbers. For example, 35 comprises 3 tens and 5 ones and is pronounced as “thirty-five.” This pronunciation is logical since your child sees first the number three, followed by the number five.
But consider the number 17: It’s made up of 1 ten and 7 ones, but pronounced “seventeen.” Your child sees the number 1 followed by the number 7 — so it’s understandably confusing that it’s the “seven” that’s said first.
What is Number Sense in Mathematics?
Number sense refers to understanding number concepts, operations, and applications of numbers and operations.
Children with good number sense enjoy playing with and exploring numbers. Counting, putting numbers together, and taking them apart (composing and decomposing numbers) help students become flexible in their thinking.
Counting and Cardinality Standards
Kindergarten Counting Standards:
- K.CC.A.1 Count to 100 by ones and tens.
- K.CC.A.2 Count forward beginning from a given number within the known sequence (instead of starting at 10).
- K.CC.A.3 Write numbers from 0 to 20. Represent a number of objects with a written numeral 0-20 (with 0 representing a count of no objects).
- K.CC.B.4 Count to tell the number of objects up to 10.
- K.CC.B.5 Count to answer “how many?” questions about as many as 20 things arranged in a line, a rectangular array, a circle, or as many as 10 things in a scattered configuration; given a number from 1-20, count out that many objects.
Oral Counting Activities
Students begin by counting by ones. They start with a limited range of numbers and increase until they can count to 100. Then, they begin to match the number name with the numeral.
Counting to 100
They play games and complete activities using numeral cards and parts of the hundreds chart to connect numerals with number names. Use a variety of nursery rhymes, books, and songs to help students associate number sequences with situations that are already familiar to them.
Once students can count to a given number, use a section of the hundreds chart to help them recognize the numerals that represent these numbers. In addition, use matching games and activities to help students connect the number name with the digit.
Songs for Counting to 100
Having students move and count is a great way to incorporate movement and counting. You can have students make up their movements or use these counting to 10, counting to 20, and counting to 100 songs below:
- Jack Hartmann Count to 20
- The Counting Song
- Let’s Get Fit- Counting to 100
- Sesame Street Counting to 20
- Numbers in the Teens (They Start with a 1) (song … – YouTube
Numbers to 20 Activities for Practicing Teen Numbers
Provide opportunities for students to count objects such as buttons, counters, shells, and dot cards. Also, ask students to count objects, beginning with a smaller number of items and increasing as students count accurately.
Counting Objects to 20
Continue to provide opportunities for students to count objects in organized and randomly arranged objects. Students should be able to count up to 20 objects in Kindergarten.
Digital Counting Activities to Represent Teen Numbers
Students love to use technology to learn; it is more engaging with colorful pictures and movable pieces. It is also easier for teachers to incorporate as a warm-up, small group, whole group, or independent practice. Then, just download the files, and students are ready to start counting.
Counting 20
Are you looking for a counting to 20 objects activity? Here are 30 slides for each season for counting objects to 20 in each set. This is a fun number sense kindergarten activity to help students count and represent the amount up to 10, then up to 20. In addition, it is easy to use and ready to use as soon as you download the slides.
Using Ten Frames to Understand Teen Numbers
A ten frame is a rectangle with ten equal spaces. It has five spaces on top and five on the bottom. It is used to support the development of the important landmark numbers five and ten. You often find the ten frames positioned horizontally and filled with counters placed from left to right and top to bottom.
Ten frames are a fantastic tool used in kindergarten and first grade to help build an understanding of counting, place value, adding, subtracting, and more. Furthermore, you use counters or math manipulatives to represent numbers less than or equal to ten on the frame.
Check out this link to find a free Ten Frames Template. Ten Frames Free Printable.
Read more…Why Using Ten Frames for Math to Develop Understanding is Effective?
Represent a Number
Numbers to 20 Matching Game
Students match the numeral card to the ten frames that represent the number.
Numbers to 20 Ten Frames to Understand Teen Numbers
Given a number, count out that many objects to represent the number.
Students can begin by counting out the number of objects and eventually use a five, ten, or double ten frame to represent the number.
This can be done using counters and ten frames or digital counters and frames. Also, it is fun to use some seasonal counters and ten frames.
Numbers to 20 Worksheet and Games
Students can be given the numeral and fill in a ten frame to represent the number, or be given the ten frame and write down the numeral it represents. Several games could be played with dice or numbers cards up to 20 to help students understand the numbers up to 20.
Representing Teen Number
This teen number resource has 43 Google Slides for each season with teen numbers in ten frames. These help to practice counting, representing numbers on a ten frame, and identifying numbers.
How Many Counting Worksheets and Slides to 20
There are 30 Counting 20 Slides with students counting the objects in the picture and 18 counting to 20 worksheets. Students count and represent the amount up to 10, then up to 20. In addition, these can be great for a whole group activity or independent activity.
Related Articles and Blog Posts about Teen Numbers
- 10 Must-Have Counting Books
- Why Using Ten Frames for Math to Develop Understanding is Effective?
- Top 3 Easy and Successful Alternatives to a Counting Worksheet
- How to use Engaging Math Puzzles for Fun to Build Number Sense
- What’s The Best Definition of Subitizing, Plus Proven Ways to Teach It?
Teaching Teen Numbers
Teen numbers can be very tricky for early math learners to understand. It’s common for preschoolers to be able to count to ten smoothly and then skip or confuse the numbers that follow.
- ☀Download this BONUS Guide with everything you need to cultivate a positive classroom community.
- ➕Includes definitions, lesson ideas, mindset surveys for students and teachers, and printable posters.
- 🧠💪Research shows a link between a growth mindset and math success. Kids with a growth mindset about their abilities perform better and are more engaged in the classroom.
- 👉Includes everything you need to start cultivating a more positive math classroom and students who love math. Download and get started today! Click here to download the Mindset Guide & Survey.
Finding different ways for kids to identify teen numbers will help them recognize and understand them more deeply. Continue to count out loud and find teen numbers in the world around you. By practicing oral counting, counting objects, and representing and writing numbers, you are helping students understand teen numbers.
