WRITING NUMERALS

Oh, my! Those little hands may not be ready to write numerals, but the curriculum says they should. Believe it or not, 20 years ago we didn't even teach children to write numbers in kindergarten. We saved that for first grade. Now, we are expecting pre-k children to write numbers. I can't change your curriculum, but I can give you some songs and activities that may make it a little more positive and meaningful.

The Numeral Song 
This song goes to the tune of "Skip to My Lou." Have children stand and use their index finger to write in the air. Everybody's writing will look "good" when you do it in the air!

Come right down and that is all.
Come right down and that is all.
Come right down and that is all
To make the numeral one. (Hold up 1 finger.)

2 – Curve around and slide to the right…
3 – Curve in and around again…
4 – Down, over, down some more…
5 – Down, around, put on a hat…
6 – Curve in and around again…
7 – Slide to the right and slant it down…
8 – Make an “s” then close the gate…
9 – Circle around then come right down…
10 – Come right down, then make a zero…
We can sing the “Numeral Song”…
And make numerals all day long!

Click to watch The Numeral Song

*Let children do air writing with other body parts, such as their elbow, foot, etc.
They can also practice writing on their palm or a friend's back.



*Squirt shaving cream on a safe surface so the children can practice making numbers.

*Have children practice writing numbers in salt, sand, and other sensory materials.


Number Chant
Children can associate numbers with the amount with this song and video. Encourage them to hold up the appropriate number of fingers as you sing.

 

Click to watch and hear Number March

Theme Books (Beth Cordier)

Let children make books for whatever theme you’re studying. Make a word wall with words from the theme. (Put magnetic tape on the back so children can take them off and copy them.) Children choose a different word for each page and illustrate it.

*Older children could write sentences with the words.

For example: Fall Theme
Page 1 “Pumpkin”
Page 2 “Leaves”
Page 3 “Squirrels”
Page 4 “Footballs”

Here's another song where children can stand and practice writing numerals without getting frustrated.

Chant and Write (“Totally Math” CD)
(Children echo each line.)

Zero is where it all begins- (Slap thighs to the beat.)
Curve down around and up again.
Number one is so much fun—
Pull straight down and you’ve got a one.
Number two is easy to do—
Up around down and across makes two.
Number three is simple to see—
Draw two humps sideways and that’s a three.
Number four I do adore—
Go down, across, then down some more.
We’ve reached five, now let’s not stop—
Pull down, circle round, put a hat on top.
Number six is easy to fix—
Big curve, small loop will give you six.
Number seven is really sizzlin’—
Straight across, slant down, and that’s a seven.
Number eight isn’t very straight—
Make “S” then back up for an eight.
Number nine I think you’re fine—
A loop on top of a long straight line.
Number ten we’ve reached the end—
Put a one by a zero and count again:
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10!

Click for Chant and Write

Highway Numbers
Children can trace over numerals with toy cars or they can roll play dough and place it on top of the numerals.

Click for Highway Numbers

WRITING NUMERALS

Oh, my! Those little hands may not be ready to write numerals, but the curriculum says they should. Believe it or not, 20 years ago we didn't even teach children to write numbers in kindergarten. We saved that for first grade. Now, we are expecting pre-k children to write numbers. I can't change your curriculum, but I can give you some songs and activities that may make it a little more positive and meaningful.

The Numeral Song

Click to View Video

This song goes to the tune of "Skip to My Lou." Have children stand and use their index finger to write in the air. Everybody's writing will look "good" when you do it in the air!

Come right down and that is all.
Come right down and that is all.
Come right down and that is all
To make the numeral one. (Hold up 1 finger.)

2 – Curve around and slide to the right…
3 – Curve in and around again…
4 – Down, over, down some more…
5 – Down, around, put on a hat…
6 – Curve in and around again…
7 – Slide to the right and slant it down…
8 – Make an “s” then close the gate…
9 – Circle around then come right down…
10 – Come right down, then make a zero…
We can sing the “Numeral Song”…
And make numerals all day long!

*Let children do air writing with other body parts, such as their elbow, foot, etc.
They can also practice writing on their palm or a friend's back.

*Squirt shaving cream on a safe surface so the children can practice making numbers.

*Have children practice writing numbers in salt, sand, and other sensory materials.


Number Chant

Children can associate numbers with the amount with this song and video. Encourage them to hold up the appropriate number of fingers as you sing.

Click to View Video

Theme Books (Beth Cordier)
Let children make books for whatever theme you’re studying. Make a word wall with words from the theme. (Put magnetic tape on the back so children can take them off and copy them.) Children choose a different word for each page and illustrate it.

*Older children could write sentences with the words.

For example: Fall Theme
Page 1 “Pumpkin”
Page 2 “Leaves”
Page 3 “Squirrels”
Page 4 “Footballs”

Here's another song where children can stand and practice writing numerals without getting frustrated.

Chant and Write

(Children echo each line.)

Zero is where it all begins- (Slap thighs to the beat.)
Curve down around and up again.
Number one is so much fun—
Pull straight down and you’ve got a one.
Number two is easy to do—
Up around down and across makes two.
Number three is simple to see—
Draw two humps sideways and that’s a three.
Number four I do adore—
Go down, across, then down some more.
We’ve reached five, now let’s not stop—
Pull down, circle round, put a hat on top.
Number six is easy to fix—
Big curve, small loop will give you six.
Number seven is really sizzlin’—
Straight across, slant down, and that’s a seven.
Number eight isn’t very straight—
Make “S” then back up for an eight.
Number nine I think you’re fine—
A loop on top of a long straight line.
Number ten we’ve reached the end—
Put a one by a zero and count again:
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10!

Click to View Video

WRITING NUMERALS AND COUNTING CADENCE

Oh, my! Those little hands may not be ready to write numerals, but the curriculum says they should. Believe it or not, 20 years ago we didn't even teach children to write numbers in kindergarten. We saved that for first grade. Now, we are expecting pre-k children to write numbers. I can't change your curriculum, but I can give you some songs and activities that may make it a little more positive and meaningful.

The Numeral Song
This song goes to the tune of "Skip to My Lou." Have children stand and use their index finger to write in the air. Everybody's writing will look "good" when you do it in the air!

Come right down and that is all.
Come right down and that is all.
Come right down and that is all
To make the numeral one. (Hold up 1 finger.)

2 – Curve around and slide to the right…
3 – Curve in and around again…
4 – Down, over, down some more…
5 – Down, around, put on a hat…
6 – Curve in and around again…
7 – Slide to the right and slant it down…
8 – Make an “s” then close the gate…
9 – Circle around then come right down…
10 – Come right down, then make a zero…
We can sing the “Numeral Song”…
And make numerals all day long!

Click to play song

*Let children do air writing with other body parts, such as their elbow, foot, etc.
They can also practice writing on their palm or a friend's back.

          

*Squirt shaving cream on a safe surface so the children can practice making numbers.

*Have children practice writing numbers in salt, sand, and other sensory materials.


Number Chant
Children can associate numbers with the amount with this song and video. Encourage them to hold up the appropriate number of fingers as you sing.

Click to view video

Theme Books (Beth Cordier)

Let children make books for whatever theme you’re studying. Make a word wall with words from the theme. (Put magnetic tape on the back so children can take them off and copy them.) Children choose a different word for each page and illustrate it.

*Older children could write sentences with the words.

For example: Fall Theme
Page 1 “Pumpkin”
Page 2 “Leaves”
Page 3 “Squirrels”
Page 4 “Footballs”

Here's another song where children can stand and practice writing numerals without getting frustrated.

Chant and Write
(Children echo each line.)

Zero is where it all begins- (Slap thighs to the beat.)
Curve down around and up again.
Number one is so much fun—
Pull straight down and you’ve got a one.
Number two is easy to do—
Up around down and across makes two.
Number three is simple to see—
Draw two humps sideways and that’s a three.
Number four I do adore—
Go down, across, then down some more.
We’ve reached five, now let’s not stop—
Pull down, circle round, put a hat on top.
Number six is easy to fix—
Big curve, small loop will give you six.
Number seven is really sizzlin’—
Straight across, slant down, and that’s a seven.
Number eight isn’t very straight—
Make “S” then back up for an eight.
Number nine I think you’re fine—
A loop on top of a long straight line.
Number ten we’ve reached the end—
Put a one by a zero and count again:
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10!

Click to watch video

You're going to love this new video that Alex May created!

Counting Cadence video
https://bit.ly/drJCadence


Handouts

Two pages per printed page
https://bit.ly/drJCadenceHalf


One page per printed page
https://bit.ly/drJCadenceFull

WRITING NUMBERS

Oh, my! Those little hands may not be ready to write numerals, but the curriculum says they should. Believe it or not, 20 years ago we didn't even teach children to write numbers in kindergarten. We saved that for first grade. Now, we are expecting pre-k children to write numbers. I can't change your curriculum, but I can give you some songs and activities that may make it a little more positive and meaningful.

The Numeral Song (“Sing to Learn” CD)
This song goes to the tune of "Skip to My Lou." Have children stand and use their index finger to write in the air. Everybody's writing will look "good" when you do it in the air!

Come right down and that is all. 
Come right down and that is all.
Come right down and that is all
To make the numeral one. (Hold up 1 finger.)
 
2 – Curve around and slide to the right…
3 – Curve in and around again…
4 – Down, over, down some more…
5 – Down, around, put on a hat…
6 – Curve in and around again…
7 – Slide to the right and slant it down…
8 – Make an “s” then close the gate…
9 – Circle around then come right down…
10 – Come right down, then make a zero…
We can sing the “Numeral Song”…
And make numerals all day long!

*Let children do air writing with other body parts, such as their elbow, foot, etc.  
They can also practice writing on their palm or a friend's back.

     

*Squirt shaving cream on a safe surface so the children can practice making numbers.

*Have children practice writing numbers in salt, sand, and other sensory materials.


Number Chant
Children can associate numbers with the amount with this song and video. Encourage them to hold up the appropriate number of fingers as you sing.

                                                          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YArJnVf40g&t=53s 

Theme Books (Beth Cordier)
Let children make books for whatever theme you’re studying. Make a word wall with words from the theme. (Put magnetic tape on the back so children can take them off and copy them.) Children choose a different word for each page and illustrate it.

*Older children could write sentences with the words.

For example: Fall Theme
Page 1 “Pumpkin”
Page 2 “Leaves”
Page 3 “Squirrels”
Page 4 “Footballs”

        

Here's another song where children can stand and practice writing numerals without getting frustrated.

Chant and Write (“Totally Math” CD)
(Children echo each line.)
Zero is where it all begins- (Slap thighs to the beat.)
Curve down around and up again.
Number one is so much fun—
Pull straight down and you’ve got a one.
Number two is easy to do—
Up around down and across makes two.
Number three is simple to see—
Draw two humps sideways and that’s a three.
Number four I do adore—
Go down, across, then down some more.
We’ve reached five, now let’s not stop—
Pull down, circle round, put a hat on top.
Number six is easy to fix—
Big curve, small loop will give you six.
Number seven is really sizzlin’—
Straight across, slant down, and that’s a seven.
Number eight isn’t very straight—
Make “S” then back up for an eight.
Number nine I think you’re fine—
A loop on top of a long straight line.
Number ten we’ve reached the end—
Put a one by a zero and count again:
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0WOnslkjXI

Highway Numbers
Children can trace over numerals with toy cars or they can roll play dough and place it on top of the numerals. 

                                             
http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/RacecarHighwayNumbers.htm

WRITING NUMBERS

Oh, my! Those little hands may not be ready to write numerals, but the curriculum says they should. Believe it or not, 20 years ago we didn't even teach children to write numbers in kindergarten. We saved that for first grade. Now, we are expecting pre-k children to write numbers. I can't change your curriculum, but I can give you some songs and activities that may make it a little more positive and meaningful.

P.S.  Some of these songs and activities would be great to share with your families!

The Numeral Song (“Sing to Learn” CD)
This song goes to the tune of "Skip to My Lou." Have children stand and use their index finger to write in the air. Everybody's writing will look "good" when you do it in the air!

Come right down and that is all.
Come right down and that is all.
Come right down and that is all
To make the numeral one. (Hold up 1 finger.)

2 – Curve around and slide to the right…
3 – Curve in and around again…
4 – Down, over, down some more…
5 – Down, around, put on a hat…
6 – Curve in and around again…
7 – Slide to the right and slant it down…
8 – Make an “s” then close the gate…
9 – Circle around then come right down…
10 – Come right down, then make a zero…
We can sing the “Numeral Song”…
And make numerals all day long!

*Let children do air writing with other body parts, such as their elbow, foot, etc.
They can also practice writing on their palm or a friend's back.

      

*Squirt shaving cream on a safe surface so the children can practice making numbers.

*Have children practice writing numbers in salt, sand, and other sensory materials.


Number Chant
Children can associate numbers with the amount with this song and video. Encourage them to hold up the appropriate number of fingers as you sing.

View Number March

Theme Books (Beth Cordier)

Let children make books for whatever theme you’re studying. Make a word wall with words from the theme. (Put magnetic tape on the back so children can take them off and copy them.) Children choose a different word for each page and illustrate it.

*Older children could write sentences with the words.

For example: Fall Theme
Page 1 “Pumpkin”
Page 2 “Leaves”
Page 3 “Squirrels”
Page 4 “Footballs”

Here's another song where children can stand and practice writing numerals without getting frustrated.

Chant and Write (“Totally Math” CD)
(Children echo each line.)
Zero is where it all begins- (Slap thighs to the beat.)
Curve down around and up again.
Number one is so much fun—
Pull straight down and you’ve got a one.
Number two is easy to do—
Up around down and across makes two.
Number three is simple to see—
Draw two humps sideways and that’s a three.
Number four I do adore—
Go down, across, then down some more.
We’ve reached five, now let’s not stop—
Pull down, circle round, put a hat on top.
Number six is easy to fix—
Big curve, small loop will give you six.
Number seven is really sizzlin’—
Straight across, slant down, and that’s a seven.
Number eight isn’t very straight—
Make “S” then back up for an eight.
Number nine I think you’re fine—
A loop on top of a long straight line.
Number ten we’ve reached the end—
Put a one by a zero and count again:
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10

 

 View Chant and Write                        

Highway Numbers
Children can trace over numerals with toy cars or they can roll play dough and place it on top of the numerals.


http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/RacecarHighwayNumbers.htm

CHANT AND WRITE

My webmaster just finished making this video where children can practice writing numerals. Have them stand and use their finger to make the numerals in the air as they follow along with the song.

                                 

https://youtu.be/J0WOnslkjXI

Chant and Write
(Children echo each line.)

Zero is where it all begins- (Slap thighs to the beat.)
Curve down around and up again.

Number one is so much fun—
Pull straight down and you’ve got a one.

Number two is easy to do—
Up around down and across makes two.

Number three is simple to see—
Draw two humps sideways and that’s a three.

Number four I do adore—
Go down, across, then down some more.

We’ve reached five, now let’s not stop—
Pull down, circle round, put a hat on top.

Number six is easy to fix—
Big curve, small loop will give you six.

Number seven is really sizzlin’—
Straight across, slant down, and that’s a seven.

Number eight isn’t very straight—
Make “S” then back up for an eight.

Number nine I think you’re fine—
A loop on top of a long straight line.

Number ten we’ve reached the end—
Put a one by a zero and count again:
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10!

Activities: Challenge children to write the numerals with their elbow, foot, and other body parts.

Squirt shaving cream (non-menthol) on children’s desks and let them trace numerals as they sing.

Let children practice writing numerals on a paved surface with chalk.

Run off the attached book. Put little drops of glue on top of the numerals so children can trace over them as they sing.  Wouldn't this be perfect for the listening center?
                                http://bit.ly/drjean_writing_numerals

ACTIVE LEARNING - BODY WRITING

Why have children write with their wrists when you can motivate them with these creative movements?  These techniques can be used with younger children to practice writing strokes or letters.  Use them with older students to write spelling words or vocabulary.

Hint! The teacher will need to “mirror” these strokes.

Invisible Writing
Children extend the middle and index finger and write in the air as they keep their elbow stiff.
   
                                          

Writing Wand
Tape strips of tissue paper to a popsicle stick for air writing.

Noodle
To practice writing numerals, letters, etc. give children a 9” inch section of a swim noodle. They can use both hands to write in the air (activates both sides of the brain.) Say, “Statue of Liberty” when you want them to listen and hold their noodles in the air.

                              

Midline Writing
Activate both sides of the brain by extending the index finger from both hands as you write in the air.

Tummy Writing
Children lay on the floor and extend one finger above their head. Children use that finger to trace shapes, letters, etc. on the floor.
                                                                     

Palm Pilot
Children hold up one palm and trace letters on it with the index finger from the other hand. Take it to the brain!

Back Writing
Children practice writing on each other’s backs.

Hint! Stand in a circle and face right. The teacher models how to write on the first child’s back. The first child repeats it on the second child’s back and it continues around the circle.

Body Parts
Practice making shapes, letters and numerals in the air with different body parts, such as the elbow, foot, nose, belly button, chin, etc.

Hint! Let a different child choose the body part you use each day.

Letter Claps
Hold hands in the air touching and make little claps as you make the shape of the letter and alliterate the sound.

More! Let children write letters with shaving cream on a table, in the sandbox, on the board with a wet sponge, or with chalk on the sidewalk.

BODY WRITING

Why have children write with their wrists when you can motivate them with these creative movements? These techniques can be used with younger children to practice writing strokes or letters. Use them with older students to write spelling words or vocabulary.

Hint! The teacher will need to “mirror” these strokes.

Invisible Writing
Children extend the middle and index finger and write in the air as they keep their elbow stiff.

Writing Wand
Tape strips of tissue paper to a popsicle stick for air writing.




Noodle
To practice writing numerals, letters, etc. give children a 9” inch section of a swim noodle. They can use both hands to write in the air (activates both sides of the brain.) Say, “Statue of Liberty” when you want them to listen and hold their noodles in the air.

Midline Writing
Activate both sides of the brain by extending the index finger from both hands as you write in the air.

Tummy Writing
Children lay on the floor and extend one finger above their head. Children use that finger to trace shapes, letters, etc. on the floor.


Palm Pilot
Children hold up one palm and trace letters on it with the index finger from the other hand. Take it to the brain!

Back Writing
Children practice writing on each other’s backs.

Hint! Stand in a circle and face right. The teacher models how to write on the first child’s back. The first child repeats it on the second child’s back and it continues around the circle.

Body Parts
Practice making shapes, letters and numerals in the air with different body parts, such as the elbow, foot, nose, belly button, chin, etc.

Hint! Let a different child choose the body part you use each day.

Letter Claps
Hold hands in the air touching and make little claps as you make the shape of the letter and alliterate the sound.

More! Let children write letters with shaving cream on a table, in the sandbox, on the board with a wet sponge, or with chalk on the sidewalk.

THE NUMERAL SONG

I know many of you begin the year by teaching the children to write numerals. If you practice singing this song as you make the movements in the air it will be much easier for the children to write them with a pencil. 

Note!  The term "numeral" refers to the symbol and the term "number" refers to the amount, although most people use them interchangeably.

The Numeral Song (Tune: “Skip to My Lou” - SING TO LEARN CD)
Come right down and that is all. (Use index finger and middle finger
Come right down and that is all. to do “invisible” writing in the air.)
Come right down and that is all
To make the numeral one. (Hold up 1 finger.)

2 – Curve around and slide to the right…

3 – Curve in and around again…

4 – Down, over, down some more…

5 – Down, around, put on a hat…

6 – Curve in and around again…

7 – Slide to the right and slant it down…

8 – Make an “s” then close the gate…

9 – Circle around then come right down…

10 – Come right down, then make a zero…

We can sing the “Numeral Song”…

And make numerals all day long!

*Let children suggest other body parts they can write with, such as their elbow, foot, nose, etc.

*Have children do invisible writing on each other’s backs.

*Make writing wands that children can use to make the numerals in the air by taping 18” pieces of caution tape or ribbon to craft sticks.

*Download highway numbers at makinglearningfun.com and let children trace over these as you sing.
Hint! Put a green dot where they start and a red dot where they finish. 
                          
*Make play dough plates by writing numerals on plates with a permanent marker. Children roll the play dough and place it on top of the plate. Can they make a set of objects to match the numeral?

*Squirt shaving cream (non-menthol) on a table or smooth surface and ask children to write numeral. They can also draw shapes in the shaving cream. Clean up with a sponge and you’ll have clean tables and hands!

*Have children trace numerals in a sand tray or sand box.

ACTIVE WRITING

Why teach children to write with their wrist when you can get so much more movement with one of these strategies?  Use these movements for letters, numerals, shapes, words, etc.


Invisible Writing
Children extend the middle and index finger and write in the air as they keep their elbow stiff.

Noodle
To practice writing numerals, letters, etc. give children a 9” inch section of a swim noodle. They can use both hands to write in the air (activates both sides of the brain.) Say, “Statue of Liberty” when you want them to listen and hold their noodles in the air.

Palm Pilot 
Children hold up one palm and trace letters on it with the index finger from the other hand. Take it to the brain! 

Midline Writing
Activate both sides of the brain by extending the index finger from both hands as you write in the air.

Tummy Writing
Children lay on the floor and extend one finger above their head. Children use that finger to trace shapes, letters, etc. on the floor.

Back Writing
Children practice writing on each other’s backs.

Hint! Stand in a circle and face right. The teacher models how to write on the first child’s back. The first child repeats it on the second child’s back and it continues around the circle.

Body Parts
Practice making shapes, letters and numerals in the air with different body parts, such as the elbow, foot, nose, belly button, chin, etc.

Hint! Let a different child choose the body part you use each day.

Letter Claps
Hold hands in the air touching and make little claps as you make the shape of the letter and alliterate the sound.

More! Let children write letters with shaving cream on a table, in the sandbox, on the board with a wet sponge, or with chalk on the sidewalk.