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Numbers to 120 Teaching Tips and Ideas for 2024

If you are an elementary teacher looking for tips and ideas for how to teach numbers to 120, then you found the right place! Learn why it’s important for students to learn about numbers in this range, what your students need to know, and get 5 helpful tips for teaching it in a fun and engaging way. Read all about teaching numbers to 120 below!

how to teach numbers to 120

What is Numbers to 120?

Numbers to 120 is learning how to count, read, write and represent numbers. It is important for students to have a variety of experiences to develop understanding and fluency of numbers in this range. 

Why is Numbers to 120 Important?

It is important for students to learn numbers within this range because it helps students develop an understanding of how numbers relate to one another in our number system. In addition, it equips them with the language and skills they need to effectively communicate about numbers. Counting sets of objects helps students develop their understanding of cardinality. This allows them to use numbers to describe and compare sets. Eventually, students will use their understanding of cardinality to combine and separate sets, leading to an understanding of addition and subtraction.

What Numbers to 120 Skills Do Students Need to Know?

Below are the standards that define what students should be able to do by the end of the school year.

Common Core Standards

1st Grade

  • Count to 120, starting at any number less than 120. In this range, read and write numerals and represent a number of objects with a written numeral. (1.NBT.A.1)

TEKS

1st Grade

  • Recognize instantly the quantity of structured arrangements; (1.2.)
  • Recite numbers forward and backward from any given number between 1 and 120; (1.5.)

5 Tips for How to Teach Numbers to 120

Below are 5 helpful tips for teaching this math topic to elementary students.

1. Read Aloud Picture Books that Teach Numbers to 120

Reading aloud picture books is a great way to integrate literacy into your math block and present information in a different way. Our favorite picture books for teaching numbers to 120 are 100 Ways to Celebrate 100 Days by Bruce Goldstone, Best Counting Book Ever by Richard Scarry and Chicka Chicka 123 by Bill Martin Junior. Check out the full list of math picture books we recommend!

2. Offer Hands On Learning Experiences

Hands-on math experiences help students make connections, remember their learning, and develop a deep conceptual understanding of the content. You can make any lesson interactive and engaging by offering math manipulatives. Our favorite math manipulatives for teaching numbers to 120 are dinosaur counters, bear counters, bug counters, linking cubes, unifix cubes, number tiles, base-ten blocks, number tiles and place value frames. 

Teaching math vocabulary is essential for all students. It is especially beneficial for students who speak English as a second language and students with learning differences. Key vocabulary terms for numbers to 120 are benchmark, counting on, number line, tally mark, ten frame, table, numeral, forward and backward. 

4. Give Students Opportunities to Apply Numbers to the Real World

Learning becomes more meaningful when students understand how it connects to the real world. Students are more engaged and invested in their learning. Some examples of ways we use numbers to 120 in the real world are to tell time, write dates, create passwords, write measurements, and count money. Project based learning and word problems are examples of opportunities for students to apply their learning to real world situations.

5. Encourage Parent Involvement

Parent participation in math is essential because it impacts students’ attitude toward math, proficiency levels this school year, and future success in their math education. Be sure to keep communication open with families and share ways they can support their children in their math learning. Some examples of ways they can practice numbers to 120 at home are counting the number of jumps while jump roping, reading the house numbers while driving in the car, or reading a recipe for blueberry muffins and representing the number of blueberries required. 

In closing, we hope you found this information about how to teach numbers to 120 helpful!

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