Numbers, Digits and Words
Numbers, Digits and Number Words
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Numbers, Digits and Number Words
This lesson is designed as a supportive maths lesson for learners who need clear structure, repeated models and simple examples. Keep spoken instructions short and concrete.
Our learning goal
I can read, write and match numbers, digits and number words.
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What is a digit?
A digit is one symbol used to write numbers
The digits are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
We use digits to make bigger numbers
Emphasise that a digit is not the same as a number word. Point to each digit as you say it aloud.
Digit or number?
7 is a digit
42 is a number made from two digits
105 is a number made from three digits
A number can have one digit or many digits
Some pupils may say that 42 is 'two digits' rather than 'a number'. Accept that it has two digits, then restate that it is also a number.
Numbers show how many
A number tells us how many
We can count objects
Then we write the number with digits
Use real objects if possible: cubes, counters or pencils. Count slowly together and then write the matching digit.
One digit and two digits
0 to 9 are one-digit numbers
10 to 99 are two-digit numbers
Example: 8 has one digit
Example: 18 has two digits
This is a useful early classification. Do not go into hundreds in detail yet; keep the focus on seeing how many digits are used.
Which of these is a digit?
42
7
105
eight
Checks the difference between one digit, a number made of digits, and a number word.
Digits and numbers
A digit is one symbol used to write numbers. The digits go from 0 to 9. The number 18 has two digits, but 8 has one digit.
Read the paragraph aloud if needed. This echoes slides on digits, numbers, and one-digit or two-digit numbers.
Reading number words
Numbers can be written as words
3 = three
8 = eight
12 = twelve
Read each example aloud and have pupils track left to right from digit to word.
Matching digits and words
5 matches five
9 matches nine
14 matches fourteen
The digit and the word mean the same number
Pupils often confuse thirteen and thirty, fourteen and forty. Keep examples small and pronounce teen endings clearly.
Writing numbers in digits
Hear the number word
Think of the matching number
Write the digits
Example: sixteen → 16
Model slowly: say the word, repeat it, then write the number. For some learners, saying each part aloud supports memory.
Writing numbers in words
Look at the digits
Say the number aloud
Write the number word
Example: 11 → eleven
If spelling is difficult, allow supported copying after the number is identified. The maths goal is recognising the match between digits and words.
Reading two-digit numbers
Two-digit numbers have two places
In 24, the digits are 2 and 4
We read 24 as twenty-four
In 37, the digits are 3 and 7
Keep the explanation concrete. At this stage, the goal is reading and recognising, not full place value language unless pupils are ready.
Zero is a digit too
0 is a digit
It can make new numbers
10, 20, 30 all use zero
Zero still counts as a digit
Some pupils may think zero means 'nothing' so it is not a digit. Stress that zero is one of the ten digits we use to write numbers.
Common mix-ups
6 and 9 can look similar
12 and 21 are different numbers
fifteen and fifty are different words
Read carefully and check twice
This slide addresses predictable errors without overloading learners. Point out orientation and order carefully.
Which word matches 14?
forty
fourteen
four
thirteen
Uses the common teen-word confusion mentioned in the content slides.
Read and write numbers
Numbers can be written as words or digits. We can write 11 as eleven. We can write sixteen as 16. In 24, the digits are 2 and 4, and we read it as twenty-four.
Supports matching both ways: digits to words and words to digits.
Worksheet 1: Match and circle
Level 1 support
Match digits to number words from 0 to 10
Circle the correct answer from 2 choices
Trace numbers before writing
Keep this worksheet highly scaffolded. Use large print, wide spacing and visual supports. Best for pupils who need strong prompting.
1. Match: 4 → four
2. Circle: Which is seven? 7 / 9
3. Circle: Which word says 2? two / five
4. Trace and write: 6
Present one item at a time if needed. The force-choice format reduces reading load and supports success.
Worksheet 2: Read and choose
Middle level support
Read numbers and words from 0 to 20
Choose the correct answer from 2 choices
Write some answers without tracing
This worksheet keeps the force-choice structure but asks for less support and slightly larger number range.
Worksheet 2 examples
1. Circle: Which is thirteen? 13 / 31
2. Circle: Which word says 18? eighteen / eighty
3. Write the digits: nine → __
4. Write the word: 10 → __
Use this level to check whether pupils can move between digits and words with less prompting. Watch for reversal errors such as 13 and 31.
Worksheet 3: Read, write, sort
Higher level support
Work with one-digit and two-digit numbers
Read, write and sort numbers
Use 2-choice items and short writing tasks
This is still accessible, but expects more independence. Pupils identify whether a number has one digit or two digits and convert between forms.
Worksheet 3 examples
1. Circle: Which is a two-digit number? 8 / 18
2. Write the word: 14 → __
3. Write the number: twenty → __
4. Sort: 7, 12, 4, 19 into one-digit and two-digit
If pupils struggle with sorting, let them highlight one-digit numbers in one colour and two-digit numbers in another colour first.
How the worksheets differ
Worksheet 1: matching, tracing, numbers to 10
Worksheet 2: choosing, reading, numbers to 20
Worksheet 3: sorting, writing, one-digit and two-digit numbers
All three use clear 2-choice items
This slide helps the teacher organise differentiation. It can also support teaching assistants working with different groups.
Which worksheet is for numbers to 10 with tracing?
Worksheet 3
Worksheet 2
Worksheet 1
All worksheets
Checks understanding of the differentiated worksheet levels.
Worksheet levels
Worksheet 1 uses matching and tracing with numbers to 10. Worksheet 2 uses choosing with numbers to 20. Worksheet 3 includes read, write and sort tasks.
Keeps the wording close to the worksheet summary slides so pupils review the differences clearly.
What is one thing you learned today?
Encourage pupils to name one clear learning point such as digit, number word, one-digit number, two-digit number, or zero. Accept short phrases.
What helped you learn best today?
This reflection helps pupils identify useful supports such as hearing the word aloud, seeing the digit, matching, tracing, or choosing between two answers.
Glossary
digit - one symbol used to write a number
number - tells how many or shows an amount
number word - a number written in words, such as five
one-digit number - a number written with one digit, such as 7
two-digit number - a number written with two digits, such as 14
zero - the digit 0
match - to join things that mean the same
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