Writing a number 0 to 5 to show how many
In Pre-K, children learn to show how many objects are in a small group by writing a numeral from 0 to 5, and to write 0 when there is nothing.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
Try these with your child
These are real questions from our Pre-K practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
How many stars are there?
- 3
- 4
- 2
Why this matters
Writing a numeral gives your child a way to record an amount, and every written sum in the years ahead rests on it. In kindergarten this grows to writing numbers up to 20, and by 1st grade to equations like 3 + 2 = 5. Understanding 0 as a real amount matters later too, in numbers like 10, 20, and 105, where the zero holds a place.
Where kids can get stuck
- Writing some numerals backwards, especially 2 and 5, which is common at this age and not a sign of confusion about amounts.
- Leaving the space blank when there are no objects, because they do not yet see 0 as a number.
- Writing the wrong numeral for the group, such as 4 for three blocks, because symbol and count are not linked yet.
How you can help
- Put a few grapes on a plate, ask your child to count them, then have them write the number on a sticky note and check it by counting again together.
- Draw numerals 0 to 5 in sand, in shaving cream on the bath wall, or with a finger on a steamy window, saying each number aloud as you write it.
- Ask how many cookies are left after the last one is eaten, then show how to write 0 on a scrap of paper to mean none at all.
The kid-friendly video below explains it in a few minutes, and Bobby's Math Club offers free practice that grows with your child.
Kid-friendly explanation
Questions parents ask
Why is my child learning to write numbers this way, by matching them to objects?
Writing a numeral only means something if your child knows the amount it stands for. Matching numerals to real groups teaches that 4 is a record of four things, not a shape to trace. Small groups of 0 to 5 are easy to count and check. Once the link between symbol and amount is solid, writing larger numbers comes much more easily.
My child writes some numbers backwards. Should I worry?
Reversing numerals such as 2, 3, 5, and 7 is very common in preschool and kindergarten. Young children are still learning that direction matters for written symbols, since a cup is still a cup when it faces the other way. Show the correct form calmly and let your child trace it. Most children sort this out as they write more, and it does not affect their understanding of amounts.
Why does my child need to learn to write zero?
Zero is the number for an empty group, and children often think of it as nothing rather than as a number. Writing 0 when the plate is empty teaches that "none" has its own symbol. That matters later, because zero appears in numbers like 10 and 20, and in adding and subtracting, such as 3 take away 3 leaves 0.
Make learning math fun
Bobby's Math Club turns Pre-K math practice into something fun to do together.
- Unlimited practice, completely free
- A few minutes a day, at just the right level
- Level-ups, badges, and a cheer for every win
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
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Join the clubNote for teachers: This skill is covered by the Pre-K math learning standard PK.CC.2: “Represent a number of objects with a written numeral 0-5 (with 0 representing a count of no objects).” Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow. (Pre-K standard PK.CC.2)