Puzzled About Numbers?

1-2-3 Come Do Some Number Puzzles With Me

I'm always looking for intersting and fun ways for my students to practice numbers.

With that in mind, I designed these circular number puzzles. Easy-peasy for you; fun for your students.

They have just 8 pieces for numbers 0-20, so you can easily differentiate for your students’ various skill levels.

So that you can practice a variety of standards all at once, each piece has a different way to show that particular number.

Being able to differentiate is particularly helpful for struggling students, as well as those who need to be challenged with higher numbers, this is easily accomplished without additional work for you, as everyone is working on the same thing, just using different numbers.

The puzzles are also a simple way to get in some extra practice for those toughie teen numbers too.

There are two “frame” options for the “ bases” which students place the pieces on. One has numbers 0-10 around the edge, while the other has numbers 1-20 framing the circle.

There are also two base options as well. One is labeled, the other is not.
Puzzles can also be put together without using a base.

For a super-fun math center, which students can work on independently, simply print, laminate & trim the full color puzzles. Once you've done the work, you're set for years to come!

I keep each puzzle in a separate ZipLock Baggie, then place numbers 0-10 in one tub and numbers 11-20 in another, which is located in our math center.

So that students can easily select a puzzle for their level, I’ve included labels for the front of your Baggies and two tubs.

The labels look like little cards so that you can print extra sets and use them for sequencing or a “Memory Match” or “I Have; Who Has?” game.
You can also use the colorful center circle puzzle pieces in the same way.

I’ve also included black & white versions, which you can use for interactive math notebooks, homework, small group instruction, early finishers or intervention.

The black & white patterns are very versatile.
Besides students making their own puzzles, you can also use the templates as a worksheet or assessment tool, as students fill in each section with the appropriate answer.

Besides number recognition, the puzzles will also help with +1 and -1 simple addition and subtraction, greater & less than, subitizing, making a group/set and number word recognition.

I also challenge students to count by 5s when they are figuring out & recording their tally marks for that puzzle piece.

We also practice counting by 5s, 1s & even 10s throughout our day when we are transitioning, standing in line while students use the bathroom, or on our way to recess or lunch. We do this in whisper quiet voices, tiptoeing on "marshmallow feet".

For another center, children can choose two puzzles and do them side-by-side, which will allow them to compare and contrast, as well as see math patterns emerging.

As your students become adept at putting the puzzles together, have them pick a partner and race to see who can complete theirs first.

Today's featured FREEBIE is another way that I help my students learn numbers. Hang the posters up as anchor charts or use them as large flashcards.