Writing Numbers from 0 to 10

You can count to ten. Now let’s learn to write numbers. Written numbers are called numerals. We see them on clocks, doors, buses and birthday cakes. Today you will read and write the numerals from 0 to 10.

Numerals and number words

Each number can be written as a numeral or as a word.

What is zero?

Zero means none or nothing. If your plate had three cookies and you ate them all, there are zero cookies left. We write zero like this: 0.

Example

Maya looked in the fish bowl. “There are 0 fish,” she said. “The fish are in the big tank today!”

How to write numerals

Here are some simple ways to remember how to write each numeral:

• 1: a straight line down, like a stick
• 2: around and back, then a line along the bottom
• 3: two bumps, like a bird flying sideways
• 4: down, across, then a long line down
• 5: down, around the tummy, then a hat on top
• 8: make an S, then go back up to close it

Watch out for backwards numbers

It is very common to write some numbers backwards, like 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9. That is okay! Look at a number chart to check which way they face. With practice, your hand will remember.

Key takeaways

• Numerals are written numbers, like 3 and 7.
• Each numeral also has a word, like three and seven.
• Zero means none, and we write it as 0.
• Checking a chart helps you write numbers the right way round.

Practice

Write the numerals from 0 to 10 in a line. Then draw the right number of dots under 2, 5 and 8.

Answers: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. Under 2 draw two dots, under 5 draw five dots, and under 8 draw eight dots.