What Are Number Words?
Number words are the words we use to name numbers. These include zero, one, two, and so on. Pre-K children learn to match number words with the numbers they see. This builds early math and reading skills at the same time.
Common Number Words:
- 0 – zero
- 1 – one
- 2 – two
- 3 – three
- 4 – four
- 5 – five
- 6 – six
- 7 – seven
- 8 – eight
- 9 – nine
- 10 – ten
Why Number Words Matter
Learning number words helps children connect what they see (numbers) with what they hear and say (words). This supports counting, reading, and understanding quantities—all important for kindergarten and beyond.
- At home: Ask your child to name numbers on clocks, books, or signs using words.
- At school: Teachers use songs, books, and counting games to teach number words.
- In real life: Children use number words to tell their age or count objects around them.
How to Teach Number Words
Children learn number words by seeing, hearing, and using them daily. Visuals like number cards, songs, and simple books help make learning fun and clear.
Practice Tips:
- Point to a number and ask, “What word is this?”
- Use number songs like “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe.”
- Label toys or bins with number words (e.g., “three blocks”).
Fun Ways to Practice Number Words
1. Number Hunt
Walk around the house or classroom and find numbers. Ask your child to say the number word aloud.
2. Sing & Say
Use songs with counting and number words. Singing helps memory and rhythm.
3. Number Cards
Make flashcards with numbers on one side and words on the other. Flip and match!
4. Count & Label
Count toys or snacks and label the amount using number words. For example: “four grapes.”
5. Build a Number Book
Help your child create a mini book with a page for each number from 0 to 10. Include the digit, word, and a picture.
Using Number Words in the Real World
- Books: “He saw three bears in the forest.”
- Signs: “The sign says five miles.”
- Conversations: “You have two shoes. Let’s put them on!”
Common Challenges with Number Words
Young learners may confuse number words that sound similar or skip over less familiar ones. Practice and repetition make a big difference.
- Mixing up words: Saying “three” when the number is 2
- Skipping numbers: Leaving out words like “zero” or “ten”
- Reading digits but not words: Knowing the number “6” but not the word “six”
Focus Vocabulary: Number Words
- zero – Nothing (He has zero cookies)
- one – A single item (She has one pencil)
- two – A pair (He wears two shoes)
- three – More than two (There are three ducks)
- ten – A full set of fingers (She counted to ten)
Tips for Helping Your Child
- Count out loud together using number words
- Point to numbers in books and signs and say the word
- Use number word songs and rhymes every day
- Make a chart of 1–10 with both digits and words
- Celebrate progress with encouragement and fun
Keep Practicing!
Learning number words is a big step in early math and reading. With simple activities and daily practice, your child will grow confident in naming and using numbers in everyday life.