What classroom doesn't have magnetic numbers?
They are a plentiful, multi-sensory tool to develop number concepts!
You can hide them, sort them, touch them, and take a look...
Numerical Order
Put numbers in order 0, 1, 2, 3…
Tens and Ones
How many tens? How many ones?
Can you make 56?
Fact Families
Give children two addends and the sum and have them make and write the
facts.
More? Less? Equal?
Place numbers in a bag. Children pull out two numbers. Which is more?
Which is less? Or, are they equal?
Pick a Number
Children choose a number from a bag and then make a set to equal that amount.
*Let children choose a number and then lead the class in doing that number of jumping jacks, toe touches, or other exercises.
What’s the Answer?
Write addition and subtraction facts on a file folder. Children answer with a magnetic number.
Daily Number
Put magnetic numbers in a bag. Each day select two from the bag and put
them together on the board. What’s the number? Count forwards. Count
backwards. How many tens? How many ones?
Number Sticks
Glue shapes and numerals to jumbo craft sticks. Children can match these up to shapes and numerals in the classroom. They can also use these as you count, tell number stories, or sing songs.
Little Red Number Box (Sarah Wilson)
Put magnetic numbers in a metal tin and then sing the song as you pull out a number. Then count to that number.
For example: I wish I had a little tin box to put a 6 in. I’d take it out and count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and put it back in.
