The numbers 1, 2, 3

A number is a name for an amount. Here are the first three.

MathAges 3–412 minutes3 pagesEnglish textInk-light

Being written

This one is planned but not finished yet. Everything below is what it will contain.

Not drawn yet

I can trace 1, 2 and 3 and show what each one means.

How the fifteen minutes go

The five steps on this sheet, in the order a child meets them. This is what you will actually be doing, not a description of the method.

Print the one that fits today. Same skill, three depths — and on this sheet they differ like this.

Support

1 and 2 only, very large.

Fewer items, more pictures, hints included, parent reads the instructions.

Core

1, 2 and 3, traced twice each.

The standard task, recognition, practice and explanation.

Challenge

Add ٤ and ٥, and use the Arabic numerals ١ ٢ ٣ ٤ ٥ alongside.

Open-ended. Explain why, make your own example, use it somewhere new.

The same guide that is printed on the back page, so you can read it before you decide to print anything.

The answers

One circle beside 1, two beside 2, three beside 3. Both Western and Arabic-Indic numerals appear; use whichever their school will.

If they get stuck

Make the numeral out of playdough, then trace it. Bodies learn shapes before hands do.

Common mistakes

Tracing a numeral perfectly with no idea what it means. Always pair with fingers or objects.
Starting 2 and 3 from the bottom. The start-dot is there for a reason.

When they finish early

Find the numbers 1, 2 and 3 on a clock, a phone, a lift button.