Read with an adult. Take your time. You can say, point, draw or write your answer.
1 Let's look together
A plate can have some apples or no apples. When there are no apples, we say zero. We write zero as 0.
Zero is a number. It tells us there are none of the things we are counting.
Look, point and talk with your adult.
2 Watch how I do it
I put two blocks on a plate. I take both away. Now there are no blocks: 0.
3 Your turn
A plate has one block. You take that block away. How many blocks are left?
Have a go before opening the answer.
Let's check together
Zero. The plate is empty.
4 Try it away from the page
Make a plate with 0, a plate with 1 and a plate with 2. Point to the empty one.
Open your writing and drawing pad
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Adult notes · prerequisites, safety and coverage
Prerequisite: count small sets. Explain that the plate still exists; zero describes the number of blocks, not every object in view.
Use large counters, blocks and paper before symbols. Revisit a lesson until the child can show and explain the idea. Numbers grow from 0–10 to 20, then 100; these pages are not a one-sitting course.
Count forwards and backwards across 100 from different starting points.