Parent guide · Kindergarten Math · Unit 1

Lesson 1.2 Writing 0 to 5

Written for the parent. Read the Say this lines aloud as they are, or in your own words. Answers for you are marked Listen for.

At a glance

Time: 5 sessions of 15–20 minutes
Goal: Read and write the numerals 0 to 5. Match a numeral to a group.
You need: Counters (dried beans, buttons or pebbles)
Pencil and crayons
Print: Worksheet A · Worksheet B · the lesson page (it also has a short video (7:57))

Steps

Warm-up
Do this: Ask these out loud. Your child answers out loud; no paper needed.
- Ask: “What number comes just after 5?” Listen for: 6
- Ask: “What number comes just after 1?” Listen for: 2
- Ask: “What number comes just after 4?” Listen for: 5
- Ask: “What number comes just after 2?” Listen for: 3
- Ask: “What number comes just after 3?” Listen for: 4
Teach the new idea
Say this: “Each number has a written sign called a numeral. We write numerals with the same ball-and-stick strokes we use for letters.”
Say this: “Zero means none. An empty plate has 0 cookies.”
Say this: “Numeral: the written sign for a number, like 3.”
Say this: “Zero: none at all, written 0.”
Show how
Show: How many? Count and write the number.
$3 dots$
Say this: “Touch each one and count: 1, 2, 3.”
Answer: 3
Show: What number comes just after 4?
Say this: “4 + 1 = 5”
Answer: 5
Practice together
Do this: Your child does these with you. Let them try first; help only after a real try.
Ask: How many? Count and write the number.
$2 dots$
Listen for: 2
If stuck: Touch each one and count: 1, 2.
Ask: How many? Count and write the number.
$0 dots$
Listen for: 0
If stuck: There is nothing to count, so the number is 0.
Ask: How many? Count and write the number.
$1 dots$
Listen for: 1
If stuck: Touch each one and count: 1.
7 more practice items on the lesson page, and on Worksheet A and Worksheet B.
Watch for
- Writing 2 or 5 backwards. Use the formation page and start each numeral at the top.
Game: Bean Count
Put out 1 to 5 dried beans. Your child closes their eyes while you take some away, then says how many are left and how many you took. Swap roles.
Narration
Say this: “Tell me what you learned today. Show me with your hands or the counters if you like.”
Listen for: Read and write the numerals 0 to 5.; Match a numeral to a group.
Daily habit
Count aloud from 1 to 10 and back from 10 to 1 every day, touching your fingers as you go.

Spread over the week

5 sessions of 15–20 minutes. Stop while it is still going well.

Session 1. Warm-up, then teach the new idea (steps 1 and 2).
Session 2. Warm-up again, then show how with the examples.
Session 3. Practice together, then play the game.
Session 4. More practice on the worksheet, and the daily habit.
Session 5. Quick check: narration and a few practice items. Move on when it is mostly right.