Kindergarten · Counting & Cardinality
K.CC.A.3: Write numbers from 0 to 20
K.CC.A.3 is a kindergarten Common Core math standard in Counting & Cardinality. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Write numbers from 0 to 20. Represent a number of objects with a written numeral 0-20 (with 0 representing a count of no objects).
In plain words
Write numbers from 0 to 20.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
How many apples do you see?
- 9
- 7
- 8
Where students can get stuck
- Writing fourteen as 41, putting the 4 first because it is the sound they hear first.
- Reversing some numerals, such as 3 or 7, which is common in kindergarten and does not mean the amount is misunderstood.
- Counting a group of 12 correctly but writing 2 or 10, not yet knowing how to write a two-digit number.
Effective teaching strategies
- Model writing each numeral on large paper with a starting dot and arrows, and have students trace the same path with a finger before using a crayon.
- Have students count out 14 large blocks and write 14 while you say “ten and four,” so they see the 1 is written first even though “four” is heard first.
- Hold up an empty box and ask how many blocks are inside, so students connect the written 0 to a count of none.
Units that teach this standard
Find where K.CC.A.3 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Eureka Math
Everyday Mathematics
Go Math!
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Math Expressions
Zearn Math
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Writing numbers from 0 to 20 for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice counting at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.