Numbers can be represented in so many ways. With math manipulatives, with random objects, through tallies, numbers, graphs, charts, and words… just to name a few.
When teachers introduce learners to a wide range of number representations they promote number thinking (thinking about numbers in different ways), and also help learners to remember and explain their reasonings.
For instance, a teacher would encourage a learner to explain how they know 3 math cubes can also be represented by displaying 3 fingers, or writing the number 3.
Benefits of Using Number Puzzles
There are so many benefits in having learners explain their math thinking. Talking about how they are thinking about numbers and problems breaks learners from just focusing on the ‘right answers’. Which can have negative affects on the math confidence in the future. I actually believe that simply focusing on the ‘right answer’ only develops a fixed mindset rather than a growth mindset.
Preschoolers, and kindergarteners are not too young to notice patterns in math and mathematical concepts. And with the right facilitation, we can help learners practice explaining their reasoning starting from a young age, which will only increase their math confidence as they grow older.
Facilitating Number Puzzles
Here are some general open-ended questions to use during any math instruction to stimulate and to facilitate math thinking:
- How are these the same?
- How are these different?
- What else could you have done?
- If I do this, what will happen?
- How did you…?
- Can you do this a different way?
- Can you show me this in a different way?
- What would happen if…?
These are just a few questions to use to get your learners thinking about math and their reasoning. Remember, they are never too old to recognize patterns and concepts. Simply modify your question to be activity/age appropriate and you will still be able stimulate those little brains into thinking about math! You will also learn more about their thinking based on their answers.
Number Puzzles and Why They’re Important
If you’ve been around this site, you will see that I think puzzles are invaluable to developing cognitive skills, and overall persistence in learners; regardless of age. In fact, I still love puzzles myself. I even introduced my littlest one to puzzles as soon as she could sit up independently.
Number puzzles are even better because they can address so many different mathematical concepts.
Here are just a few benefits of number puzzles:
- Can be used with any mathematical concept
- Develops strategic thinking and problem solving skills
- Develops transferable skills
- Increases understanding of number connections and representations
- Builds fluency with numbers
- Develops the ability to create mental images to solve problems
- Can easily be differentiated to meet the individual needs of learners
- Increases spatial skills
- Fun!
I encourage you to start using number puzzles with your learner. Not only are they hands-on, but they develop so many important skills. And if they are facilitated correctly, they can help to develop a growth mindset towards learning and life.
Printable Number Puzzles 1 – 20
I created some printable number puzzles that illustrate that numbers can be represented in a variety of ways.
The puzzles currently work with numbers 1 – 20; but I intend to increase them to include numbers to 50.
The first set works with numbers word and ten and twenty frames.
The next set includes numbers and pictures. Already between the two sets, you can see that the puzzles can be interchangeable and used as different variations.
With these two sets of number puzzles, you can encourage your learner to match:
- Number Words to Ten/Twenty Frames
- Number Words to Pictures
- Numbers to Ten/Twenty Frames
- Numbers to Pictures
To add more variety the following set includes numbers and ten/twenty frames again, but in different positions within the puzzles.
With these puzzle pieces, we now have more variations to complete!
- Number Words to Ten/Twenty Frames
- Number Words to Pictures
- Numbers to Ten/Twenty Frames
- Numbers to Pictures
- Ten/Twenty Frames to Pictures
- Ten/Twenty Frames to Ten/Twenty Frames
- Ten/Twenty Frames to Numbers
- Number Words to Numbers
- Numbers to Numbers
The next set includes counting hands and tally marks.
This set is my favourite! As you can see your learner will be able to create real mental images with these puzzle pieces. Each counting hand corresponds with each group of tally marks.
Make sure to point this out to your learner as you engage with the activity.
Again, we’ve now added more variations to the puzzles:
- Number Words to Ten/Twenty Frames
- Number Words to Pictures
- Numbers to Ten/Twenty Frames
- Numbers to Pictures
- Ten/Twenty Frames to Pictures
- Ten/Twenty Frames to Ten/Twenty Frames
- Ten/Twenty Frames to Numbers
- Number Words to Numbers
- Numbers to Numbers
- Counting Hands to Tally Marks
- Counting Hands to Ten/Twenty Frames
- Counting Hands to Numbers
- Counting Hands to Pictures
- Ten Frames to Tally Marks
- Numbers to Tally Marks
- Number Words to Tally Marks
As you engage with the activity make sure to encourage your learner to use one-to-one correspondence as the count the groups of numbers.
As they engage with the activity their subitizing skills will increase, and for some puzzle variations they might not even need to count using one-to-one correspondence.
Specific skills developed throughout this activity:
- Problem Solving
- Subitizing
- Classifying
- Comparing, matching, and sorting according to common properties (value)
- Determining Quantity
- Counting to determine quantity
- Matching numbers to sets of objects
- Comparing Quantities
- Counting to compare quantities
- Counting using one-to-one correspondence
- Representing Numbers
- Recognizing numbers in different ways
- Recognizing numbers in printReading numbers in written words
These number puzzles are versatile and fun! To get started with the fun download the first set today!
Or Download the Entire Set Here!
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