Counting from 0 to 120 in Words and Numbers

Learning to read and write numbers in both words and numerals helps students build stronger number recognition. Children should practice connecting spoken numbers with their written forms.

Counting Connections:

Match the numeral 15 with the word fifteen.
Practice writing numbers 0 to 20 in both forms.
Say a number aloud (for example, thirty-two) and have students write 32.

Teaching Tip

Encourage students to say each number clearly while pointing to the numeral and its word form to reinforce the connection.

Understanding Place Value

Place value helps children see how digits work together to form numbers. Tens and ones should be modeled with concrete objects, pictures, and words to support understanding.

Place Value Practice:

Show 46 as four tens and six ones. Write it as “forty-six.”
Ask: “What is the value of the 7 in seventy-two?”
Write the number word for 100 as “one hundred.”

Helpful Strategy

Remind students that the position of each digit matters. Use base-ten blocks or drawings to show how numbers are grouped.

Reading and Writing Numbers in Words

Writing numbers in words helps students connect spoken numbers to written numerals. Practice builds fluency and prevents confusion when numbers get larger.

Writing Practice:

Write 25 as “twenty-five.”
Say sixty-four aloud and have students write 64.
Match number cards (like 89) with the correct word card (“eighty-nine”).

Instructional Focus

Provide plenty of practice with both small and large numbers. Encourage neat handwriting and correct spelling of number words.

Comparing and Ordering Numbers

Comparing and ordering numbers helps children understand number size and relationships. Students should practice with both numerals and words up to 120.

Comparison Activities:

Compare thirty-nine and forty-one → Which is greater?
Order 28, thirty-five, and 42 from least to greatest.
Ask: “Are fifty and 50 equal?”

Visual Strategy

Use number lines and matching word cards together to make comparing easier. This supports both reading and number sense.

Building Counting Fluency

Fluency includes counting forward, backward, and in steps. Using both words and numerals helps students count confidently and with understanding.

Fluency Practice:

Count aloud from zero to one hundred twenty.
Count backward from forty to zero.
Skip count by 10s (ten, twenty, thirty…) up to 120.

Instructional Reminder

Mix numeral practice with number words during fluency activities. Repetition helps students build speed and accuracy.

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A.3 Count 0-120: words to numbers