2
Zero to three
Discover Mathematics: Chapter 1
GoalSay what zero means, write 0, 1, 2 and 3, and read a very small picture graph.
New words
zero · none, nothing therenumeral · a number that we writepicture graph · pictures that show how many
Explanation
We write a number with a numeral. Zero means none. A basket with nothing in it has zero things. We write 0 like a small round loop and 1 like one straight line going down. A grown-up shows you how to write 2 and 3, and you trace them in the air with your finger. Always say the number as you write it. You can also show a number with pictures: for 3, draw three stars.
Worked examples
The basket is empty. It has 0 eggs. Zero means none.
Jana draws 2 flowers and writes the numeral 2 under them.
Each picture is one child. 3 children chose bananas and 2 children chose oranges. More children chose bananas.
Class activity
Write it big. Use a finger in sand or flour on a tray, or a stick in the dirt. Write each of 0, 1, 2 and 3 large and say it aloud as you write it. After each numeral, put that many stones next to it. For 0, put no stones.
Practice
1
Nour’s plate has no apples. How many apples are on the plate? Write the number.
0
2
Count the ladybirds and write the number.
3
3
Draw 2 stars in your notebook and write the numeral 2 next to them.
Two stars and the numeral 2.
4
Look at the picture graph. Which pet did more children choose? How many chose the bird?
The bird. 3 children chose the bird.
5
Which number means none: 3, 0 or 1?
0