All Activities
Maths

Show Me the Number

Overview

Children explore how the same number can look different.

Learning Objective
Children show numbers in different ways using objects and actions.

Resources needed

  • Small objects (stones, sticks, counters)

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Say a number (e.g. 5).
  2. 2 Ask children to show that number using fingers.
  3. 3 Ask them to show the same number using objects.
  4. 4 Compare different ways of showing the number.
  5. 5 Ask: 'How do you know these are the same?'
  6. 6 Repeat with different numbers.
  7. 7 Encourage children to create their own examples.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Use larger numbers
  • Show numbers using sounds or actions
  • Ask children to find numbers in the environment
More information

Finger representations are universal. Praise all correct representations equally.

Allow children to use objects rather than fingers if needed.

Can children move fluidly between representations? Do they self-correct when their count is wrong?

Fingers require no resources at all. Stones, sticks, or seeds can replace counters. This is one of the most resource-free activities in the set.

Children sometimes show a number on fingers using a fixed hand shape they have memorised rather than actually counting. Check by asking them to show the number a different way.

Activity details
Early Years Easy 10–15 minutes No prep Solo, Pairs, Small Group, Whole Class Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Number Representation