Be the Numerals

1. Children choose one or more numerals (0 to 9) or operations symbols (+, -, x, ÷). Students who will be exploring large numerals or decimals might choose commas or decimal points. Those solving problems with multiple operations might even create parentheses, brackets, or braces. Plan ahead so every numeral and symbol is represented and there are more than one of each.
2. Using Crayola® Construction Paper Crayons on Crayola Construction Paper, draw the numeral or symbol using large, wide lines. Demonstrate how to draw block numerals.
3. Fill numerals or symbols with designs. Numeral designs might include a quantity of dots or strips equal to the numeral’s value. Outline with bright Construction Paper Crayon colors. For extra strength, laminate each numeral and symbol so they can be used throughout the school year.
4. Punch two holes near the top of the paper. Cut long pieces of string, yarn, or ribbon to thread through the holes so the numerals and symbols can be worn. Join the ends of the string with a piece of tape.
5. Be the numerals with children of all ages. • Kindergarten students can be the numerals, standing individually and in pairs as they count to 100. • First graders can walk about the classroom using addition and subtraction to form mathematical expressions within 20. • Second graders can skip into place to form one- and two-step addition and subtraction problems within 100. • Third graders can jog into place as they interpret products of one-digit whole numbers. • Fourth graders can balance and hop on one foot as they multiply or divide to solve problems posed by classmates. • Fifth graders can arrange themselves into solutions as they evaluate expressions with parentheses, with the solution to the parenthetical expression represented by children sitting below that expression in the problem.

MATH: Know number names and the count sequence.

MATH: Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction.

MATH: Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division.

LA: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade level topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

VA: Students will investigate, plan and work through materials and ideas to make works of art and design.

Create Roman Numerals! Arrange yourself in different configurations for the class to interpret.

Use your “Be the Numerals” set to practice counting in Spanish! Invite children to call out numbers in Spanish for their friends to become. Challenge children to arrange themselves in numerical expressions then express their mathematical sentence in Spanish.

Practice telling time. One group of students arranges themselves in a circle like an analog clock. Choose 2 students to be the hands on the clock. The rest of the class is challenged to arrange themselves as the digital clock interpretation of the time shown on the analog clock.

Books you might enjoy before, during, and after you explore with get moving with your “Be the Numerals” set include: 365 Penguins by Jean-Luc Fromenthal and Joelle Jolivet, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins by Dr. Seuss, and Safari Park by Stuart J. Murphy.