Tips For Teaching Those Tricky Teen Numbers

Here are some tips for teaching those tricky teen numbers. These strategies are my go-to every year because they work. They work because they’re hands-on activities that allow students to see and interact with numbers that will help them.

Strategies that Work

When teaching teen numbers, teaching students that numbers 11-19 as 10 and some more helps them understand the meaning of one and introduces them to place value.

Depending on your curriculum, some programs teach students to count the math way. The math way is saying ‘ten one” instead of “eleven” since “ten one” is a more accurate way to identify eleven.

Grab Low-Prep, Hands-On Teen Numbers Math Centers Here!

Using manipulatives is another way to practice counting and encouraging students to make the connection to 10 and some more. Students can use a ten frame to show a group of ten and some ones. This will help them gain insight into quantity and numbers.

Another strategy you could use is using diagrams like number bonds. If students are ready, you can have them draw or use objects to show how to decompose teen numbers into ten and some ones.

Activities that Work

Here are some activities you can use to teach those tricky teen numbers.

Use a Double Ten Frame

For this learning activity, students pick a card and build the number. They see a ten and some ones. To help solidify their understanding, they can write a sentence or equation.

Teen Numbers Activity - Use a ten frame to help them see ten and some ones.

Count Around the Room

Counting around the room is an engaging partner activity to get students counting and moving. They walk around the room, counting items in a bag and recording the amount.

Counting Around the Room Teen Numbers- Have students work with a partner to count items around the room.

Make an Equal Set

Students count and make equal sets (show the exact amount). This will allow them to practice counting and cardinality and write number sentences.

Want Teen Numbers Activities?

I know it’s hard to search for the just-right math resources. I could never find what I needed, so I made these math centers for teachers like myself.

This resource includes 25 hands-on math center activities, practice worksheets, and a digital game—there more than enough differentiated learning centers for small groups or math stations.