Chapter 8: Fun with Numbers

Are you ready for bigger numbers? Today we go all the way to 99! Don't worry , once you know how 10 works, the rest is easy.

What we'll do in this chapter

• Count from 21 to 99.
• See numbers as tens and ones (like 24 = 2 tens + 4 ones).
• Bundle sticks into tens.
• Find the number that comes before or after.

The big idea

Big numbers look scary, but they have a simple secret , they are just groups of ten and a few more!

Take 24. That is 2 bundles of ten and 4 single sticks. Two tens and four ones. Easy!

Take 57. That is 5 tens and 7 ones. Try it with matchsticks at home!

When we count, we go in order:

21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30…

…40, 41, 42… 50… 60… 70… 80… 90… 99!

Every time we reach a new ten (30, 40, 50…), we start counting again with a new digit at the front. The numbers have a rhythm, like a song.

When you have a number like 73, ask yourself: how many tens? (7!) How many ones? (3!) That is the trick.

Let's play!

🪵 Bundle the Sticks

Take 30 matchsticks. Make bundles of 10. How many bundles? (Three!) Now take 8 more single sticks. What is the number? 38!

🔢 What Comes Next?

Say: "47, 48, 49… and now?" Your friend says 50! Then keep going. Try starting from 68. From 89. From 35.

🎁 Number Hopscotch

Draw numbers from 1 to 50 in chalk on the ground (or with cardboard pieces). Hop on every number that ends in 5 , 5, 15, 25, 35, 45. Now hop on the tens , 10, 20, 30, 40, 50!

📋 Tens and Ones Card

Write a number like 62. Now show it as 6 bundles of 10 (draw small lines) and 2 single dots. Try with 27. With 84. With 99.

A small story

Mira's grandfather was 67 years old. She asked, "Dadu, how many tens and how many ones is that?" Grandfather smiled. "6 tens , that is 60. And 7 more. That makes 67!" Mira counted her toys , she had 23. "2 tens and 3 ones, Dadu!" Grandfather hugged her, "Soon I will count my mangoes with you too!"

Quick check

1. What number is 4 tens and 5 ones?
2. What comes after 39?
3. How many tens are in 80?
4. Write the number before 50.
5. Count from 95 to 99 out loud.

What did we learn?

• Big numbers are made of tens and ones.
• We can go all the way up to 99.
• Every new ten starts a new little family , twenties, thirties, forties…