Reading and writing numbers to 20
Read and write numerals from 0 to 20
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Teaching Table · Reviewed guide
Set out your lesson
“Numerals are the symbols 0 through 20. We read the symbol aloud and write the symbol when we hear the number name. Keep digits clear and in the right order for teens.”
Bring to the table
- Ready numeral cards 0–20, or paper with those numerals already written
- Blank paper and pencil
Full guide and materials
- Ready numeral cards 0–20, or paper with those numerals already written
- Blank paper and pencil
- Step 1. Show 14, 7, 0, and 20 one at a time. Have your child read each numeral.
- Step 2. Dictate seventeen, three, eleven, and zero. Your child writes 17, 3, 11, and 0.
- Step 3. Check formation and place value order, especially for teens.
- Step 4. Point to a small set of objects and have your child write the matching numeral.
- Quick check. Success means your child reads any two shown numerals from 0–20 and writes any two dictated numerals from 0–20 legibly and correctly.
Worked example. Shown 14 → “fourteen.” Dictated “twelve” → write 12, not 21. Dictated “nine” → write 9, not 09.
Optional challenge. For a teen such as 15, write the numeral and mark one ten and five ones with a quick drawing.
What to notice. Save a photo of the written numerals or a parent note of numbers read and written.
Compare teaching approaches
Teaching approaches
Gakuva’s recommended starting approach is selected. You can still compare every option.
2 approaches
Numerals are the symbols 0 through 20. We read the symbol aloud and write the symbol when we hear the number name. Keep digits clear and in the right order for teens.
Spend about 15 minutes reading shown numerals and writing dictated numerals to 20.
Read and write numerals 0–20 and match a counted set to a numeral.
Read and write numerals 0–20 and match a counted set to a numeral.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
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The teaching approach above still stands. Curated practice links will appear here as the shelf fills.
Check understanding
- Read any numeral 0–20 when shown it
- Write numerals 0–20 legibly from dictation
- Represent a number of objects with the correct written numeral
“Can your child read a number like '17' written on paper and write it themselves — and do they know what each digit means?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Procedural
- Subject
- Mathematics
- Domain
- Number Representation & Place Value
- Age range
- Ages 5–6
Standards