Classroom · Math · CCSS K.CC.A.3, K.CC.B.4

worksheets 0 to 20

Every number from 0 to 20 has its own four-page pack: meet the number, trace and write it, find and count it, and an answer key with notes for grown-ups. Children trace, count real pictures and see each number in a ten frame, so the written number always means something. Each PDF comes in color and in ink-saving black and white.

Number tracing 1 to 10

One page: a tracing row for each number from 1 to 10, with the number words.

1 to 10(1 page, color)Ink saver (B&W)

Number tracing 1 to 20

Two pages: 1 to 10, then 11 to 20, a row for each number.

1 to 20(2 pages, color)Ink saver (B&W)

Number chart 0 to 20

Every number with its word and a ten frame, for the wall or a desk.

Chart(1 page, color)Ink saver (B&W)

Number tracing book

The chart, a trace-and-write page for every number from 0 to 20, and a certificate.

Tracing book(23 pages, color)free by email Ink saver (B&W)

Choose a number

What is in each number pack

1. Meet the numberA giant number to finger-trace and color, the number word, a ten frame, and pictures to count.
2. Trace and writeRows that fade from tracing to writing alone, the number word to trace, and the missing numbers in a run.
3. Find and countCircle the boxes with the right number of pictures, color that many stars, and hunt for the number in a grid.
4. Answer key and notesEvery answer, how to form the number in plain words, and hands-on ideas for counting at home.

Number 5 worksheet: a giant 5 to trace, the word five, a ten frame and five stars to count

Number 5 trace and write worksheet with handwriting rows

How to teach writing numbers

Count first, write second. Count out real things (blocks, buttons, steps) before writing the number, so the symbol stands for an amount.
Big before small. Trace the giant number with a finger, in sand or in the air, before picking up a pencil.
Start at the top. Almost every number starts at the top line. Watch the first few tries and correct the starting point early.
Say it as you write it. “Seven: across the top, then slant down.” Talking through the strokes helps them stick.
See ten. The ten frames show 8 as 2 less than 10 and 13 as a full ten and 3 more, which makes teen numbers much easier.

13 is one ten and three ones

Every teen pack shows the number this way, so children can see the ten inside it.

The tracing sheets and the chart

Number chart 0 to 20 with number words and ten frames

More early practice: the name tracing worksheet maker, the alphabet worksheets and comparing numbers.

Common questions

At what age do children learn to write numbers?

Most children start tracing numbers at 3 or 4 and can write 0 to 10 by the end of preschool or early kindergarten. Writing numbers up to 20 is a kindergarten goal in the Common Core standards (K.CC.A.3).

Which numbers should we trace first?

Start with 1 to 5, then 6 to 10. Always count real things alongside the tracing, so the number means something. Teen numbers come once children are confident with 0 to 10, because each one is a ten and some ones.

My child writes numbers backwards. Is that a problem?

Reversals (a backwards 3, 7 or 9) are very common up to age 7 and usually fade with practice. Tracing from the right starting point helps most: almost every number starts at the top. The "How to write it" box on each pack describes the strokes in words.

Why is there a ten frame on every page?

A ten frame shows a number as part of ten, so children see that 7 is 5 and 2 more, or 3 less than 10. For the teen numbers, the two frames show one full ten and some ones, which is the start of place value.

Can I copy these worksheets for my class?

Yes. The PDFs are free to print and photocopy for classroom and home use, in color or in the black-and-white ink saver. Please link to this page rather than re-uploading the files.