Skip to Content

Showing Ways to Make a Number

Build number sense with these showing ways to make a number activities for first and second graders.

Looking for new ways to work on showing ways to make a number? Start here!

This is a free collection of ideas and printables from The Curriculum Corner.

Build number sense with these showing ways to make a number activities for first and second graders.

Working on Showing Ways to Make a Number

Once students begin developing a concept of base ten, they are ready to find different ways to show a number. 

These activities are designed to be completed with first and second grade students. 

We have also included some challenge activities that will be suitable for second and third grade students. 

When helping students aquire this skill, having manipulatives that can be joined and taken apart is useful. You might use Unifix Cubes or hundreds, tens and ones blocks.

Build number sense with these showing ways to make a number activities for first and second graders. Free from The Curriculum Corner.

Grouping Odd Sets 

Give students a collection of unifix cubes or links (we’re going to use unifix cubes for our example.) 

When you present them with the collection, have the items partially grouped. 

If your number is 53, you might give the students 4 stacks of 10 and then 13 ones.  

Before the students count, ask them to tell you how many there are in all – record the answers on chart paper or a board. 

Talk about the answers students have given and then count to find the actual number. 

Change the groupings and have students tell how many there are now. 

Repeat this activity until students begin to understand that the total number does not change because you have grouped the items in a new way.

Show the Number in Different Ways 

We are providing you with a range of pages titled Show the Number. Along with preprogrammed pages, you will also find pages for you to write in your own numbers.

Students have to circle the sticks and ones to show how to make the number using different ways to group the tens and ones. 

Working with second and third grade students who need a challenge?  We have created this printable using blocks, sticks and ones. This will give children practice with numbers into the hundreds.

There are also versions where students will draw the tens and ones instead of circling the visuals.

How can you make the number?

These pages give students practice by providing a cut and paste activity.

Students will cut and glue the popsicle sticks to create each number.

Number Riddles

These are designed to weave problem solving skills into your math time.

There are two printable worksheets.

There are also cards you can print and use to create a center. The answers have been included on cards. You can choose to print these to create a sorting activity.

Students read the riddle and try to solve the problem on each card. 

The cards become more difficult so choose the riddles that fit the needs of your students.

You can download this free building number sense collection here:

Math Download

Looking for other free resources to help you with building number sense? Try these freebies:

As with all of our resources, The Curriculum Corner creates these for free classroom use. Our products may not be sold. You may print and copy for your personal classroom use. These are also great for home school families!

You may not modify and resell in any form. Please let us know if you have any questions.