Topic 3 of 7
Recognizing the numerals 1 to 10
Step 1 · Counting and shapes topics
A numeral is how a number is written. Learn to read 1 to 10 and match each numeral to an amount.
Numerals are numbers written down
A numeral is how a number looks when it is written. The numeral 3 means three. You can say it, show it with fingers, or write it.
| Numeral | Word | Dots |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | one | ● |
| 2 | two | ● ● |
| 3 | three | ● ● ● |
| 4 | four | ● ● ● ● |
| 5 | five | ● ● ● ● ● |
| 6 | six | ● ● ● ● ● ● |
| 7 | seven | ● ● ● ● ● ● ● |
| 8 | eight | ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● |
| 9 | nine | ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● |
| 10 | ten | ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● |
Matching numerals to amounts
To match a numeral to some things, count the things. The last number you say is the numeral to find.
A ten frame helps you see amounts: it has two rows of five. Five counters fill the top row. A full frame is 10.
Example: Matching
Which numeral goes with ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■?
- Count the squares: one, two, three, four, five, six.
- The last number is six, written 6.
Answer6
Look-alike numerals
Some numerals look alike. These tips tell them apart:
- 6 has its loop at the bottom. 9 has its loop at the top.
- 7 has a line across the top. 1 is a straight line.
- 2 has a flat bottom. 5 has a flat top.
- 10 is two numerals side by side: a 1 and a 0.
Try it yourself
Work each one on paper first, then open the answer to check.
Which numeral is "four"?
Show answer
4.
How many dots, written as a numeral? ● ● ● ● ●
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5.
Which has its loop at the top, 6 or 9?
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9.
Show 8 with your fingers.
Show answer
Five fingers on one hand and three on the other.
What two numerals make the number ten?
Show answer
A 1 and a 0, written 10.