Number Formation

Number formation needs to be practiced and refined. Introduce number formation in practical ways so your child is excited and motivated to write numerals.

Begin by modelling the formation of each number to your child, initially focusing on numerals 1-5, then progressing to 6-10 and subsequently further. Emphasis the start and end points of each numeral. Provide lots of informal ways for your child to form numbers until they are ready to start using pen and paper.

Simple activities to develop number formation include:

Using different sensory contexts for your child to write numerals such as paint, sand, shaving foam, flour or glitter. This enjoyable, fun and relaxed approach reduces pressure on your child to write numbers accurately the first time. It also provides the opportunity to practically explore the shape of each number.
Teaching your child a simple number rhyme which explains the formation of each numeral.
Providing coloured chunky chalks to develop number formation skills during outdoor play.
Taking a trip to the beach where your child could have fun writing numbers in the sand or creating a number sculpture with pebbles.
Offering a child sized whiteboard and marker or Megasketcher for number formation. These methods allow your child to easily erase mistakes reducing the pressure to get it right the first time as with traditional pen and paper methods.
Displaying a colourful number frieze in your child's bedroom so your child frequently sees numerals in their environment.
Using number stencils to support your child's number formation skills as well as hand eye coordination.
Offering a set of marker pens or gel pens along with a notepad for your child once they are ready to start forming numerals independently.