Sometimes reading and even 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.
Teen Numbers are the numbers between 10 and 20. We practice representing them by taking a ten and adding more. Ways to compose teen numbers include using tally marks, ten frames, addition and subtraction equations, coins, and identifying teen numbers on a number line or a number grid.
There are SO many options for teaching teen numbers. But how can we help our students master teen numbers with ease? I’m going to share 3 of my favorite tricks for mastering reading, writing. counting and decomposing teen numbers
- Incorporating Music
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Composing and Decomposing Teen Numbers with manipulatives
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Differentiated Activities
TEACHING TEEN NUMBERS BY INCORPORATING MUSIC
One of my all-time favorite ways to introduce and review a concept like teen numbers is with….
You guessed! JACK HARTMAN!!
I love incorporating a video with catchy songs into our lessons. Plus, my students can’t get enough!
Check out these Jack Hartman videos that are guaranteed to get your students up and moving, while also learning about teen numbers. We just love that guy.
In the classroom, I like playing these music videos as a review in the morning during bellwork when the students are starting their day or before math as a warm-up before I start teaching teen numbers. They are short and sweet!
Students can also practice place value with this video here.
TEACHING TEEN NUMBERS BY COMPOSING and DECOMPOSING WITH MANIPULATIVES
When I’m teaching teen numbers I begin by having my students practice composing and decomposing numbers. Begin by using manipulatives like mini erasers, cubes, or base ten blocks for students to make a visual connection.
Begin by reviewing making familiar numbers like 7 and 8 to get students in the mindset of practicing ways to compose numbers. In class we talk about numbers, like us, belonging to families. The largest number in a family is 9.
We practice chanting “This largest number, the largest number, the largest number in a family is 9.” If there are nine members (cubes, mini erasers..) in a family, it is all good. Once the 10th member comes, the numbers bind together and jump over into the tens family. This chant helps students understand making ten and numbers greater than 10.
DIFFERENTIATED ACTIVITIES
Some students seem to catch onto the concept of composing teen numbers quickly while other students need more support and scaffolding of the concept. Teaching teen numbers with differentiated activities help Kindergarten Math students who benefit from extra help.
TEACHING TEEN NUMBERS RESOURCES
Don’t leave without grabbing a freebie here! Students will practice ways to make teen numbers while also engaging their fine motor skills by cutting and pasting. So perfect for little learners.
This Teen Number resource is a fantastic supplement to those teachers looking for more support and ideas for teaching teen numbers. From cut, sort, and gluing activities to different ways of decomposing numbers 10 to 20 to detailed parent communication forms, this resource is perfect for fun activities to practice understanding teen numbers.
Teaching teen numbers to Kindergarteners or First-Graders can be tricky, but it’s an important skill they need to master to count with confidence!
If you’ve ever noticed your students struggling with the “tricky teens”, this packet is perfect practice. You can use it as morning work, homework, in small group enrichment centers, oreven as partner work. Just print and go!
Kindergarten teachers are loving this resource for tackling the teens! One teacher said, “This was an awesome resource. My Kinders loved it and it did a great job reinforcing teen numbers. It was very organized and well designed. Many thanks.”
Another teacher said, “This was just what I was looking for to help students fill the gaps with a daily routine to practice and learn the tricky teen numbers.”
You can always “COUNT on Me” for engaging, differentiated math resources to help every student shine!
