At the primary level, developing an understanding for numbers is crucial for building a strong foundation in math. One way to support number sense in the classroom is with a number of the day routine. This engaging activity invites students to explore one number each day to deepen their understanding of different math concepts. In this post we’ll take a look at:

    • What is number sense and why is it important?

    • What is number of the day?

    • Why is number of the day so important?

    • How to implement a daily routine in your own classroom.

What is Number Sense and Why is it Important?

Number sense is the term used to describe a child’s ability to understand the meaning of numbers, their relationship with one another, and how to manipulate those numbers in various situations. The ability to understand numbers is crucial in building a foundation for more complex math concepts later on. Number sense can look like:

    • Representing a number with drawings or manipulatives

    • Breaking apart a number ( 9 = 5 + 4 )

    • Writing the number with words or numerals

    • Identifying whether the number is even or odd

    • Recognizing patterns in numbers

What is Number of the Day?

Number of the day is an activity where students explore a single number each day. There are so many options when it comes to what skills you can include in a number of the day routine. The routine is repeated with different numbers throughout the week to reinforce student understanding of place value, number relationships, and foundational math skills. I’ve listed below a few of the skills included in the routine.

Why is Number of the Day So important?

Provides a Structure for Your Math Lesson

A number of the day routine is beneficial for SO many reasons. First, it builds routine and structure, giving students a sense of security and focus. Using a number of the day routine as a math lesson warm-up makes each day predictable yet engaging. Students know exactly what to expect when your math block rolls around. This can be important for so many of our students who thrive on knowing exactly what comes next in their schedule. 
 

Easy to Differentiate 

It can be differentiated for all learners. A number of the day routine can be as easy or as hard as you would like to make it! In my classroom, I start the year with a very simple routine that focuses on number printing, recognizing numbers, counting, a simple place value routine, and beginning addition. As the year progresses, I slowly start to incorporate more advanced skills. 
 

Spiral Review

It allows you to gradually introduce math concepts throughout the year. My favorite aspect of my number of the day routine is that it gives me the chance to introduce concepts well before our curriculum does. My students are able to “dip their toes in the water” and get acclimated before diving head first into complex skills like place value, comparing numbers, and two digit addition. I’ve noticed that it has made a huge difference in my students and how well they master each skill. 
 

Low Prep Activity

Finally, it gives you, the teacher, a much deserved break! Planning a math lesson can really be so daunting. I’m constantly torn between planning for small group, preparing games, designing slides, adapting my lessons for all students, and so much more. Not to mention how complicated it can be to review past material while still introducing new concepts. I started using a number of the day routine to open each math lesson and I have not gone back! It’s so easy to plan and have ready to go each day. It has really taken the weight off my shoulders when it comes to reteaching past material. 
 

How to Implement a Number of the Day Routine in Your Own Classroom

Teachers can use a number of the day routine in so. many. ways. There is honestly no right or wrong answer! It can be used as a math warm-up, small group lesson, early finisher activity, intervention plan, and so much more! I’ve listed below some of my favorite ways to use these number of the day worksheets.

The possibilities are endless! Let’s say you want to use a number of the day worksheet to jump start your daily math lesson. Let’s take a look at how I’ve done that in my own class. 

 

For starters, I always begin the year by introducing the routine to my students on the smart board. My teacher moto that has honestly SAVED me time and time again is, “always start the school year thinking your students cannot do anything”  Yes, nothing. When I start teaching math at the beginning of the year I go into it thinking my students have barely held a pencil, written a number, or practiced an addition problem in their life. Is it tedious? Yes. But does it work? Also yes! Now obviously I know the majority of my students have already mastered these skills. However, I just KNOW how important it is to review after a long summer break. This includes when I first introduce our number of the day routine. 

 

For the first few times we complete it, I am writing the answers by using the pen on my promethean board. Students are simply listening and together we are talking through each step. I also start to include mini lessons on different skills included on the page such as place value, decomposing numbers, or what makes a number even or odd. After modeling how to complete the page, I’ll start to have the kids each take a turn writing on the board. It depends on the class but I usually give them each their own paper when I think they are ready to handle it. (Which is different for every class!) Now that everyone has their own page, students are expected to fill in the worksheet as we work through it together. 

 

Help your students soar with is low prep and engaging math activity. It includes numbers from 1 all the way to 500. There are so many ways to make this activity your own! I can’t wait to hear how it works for you.