(Children echo each line.)

Zero is where it all begins-  (Slap thighs to the beat.)
Curve down around and up again.

Number one is so much fun—
Pull straight down and you’ve got a one.

Number two is easy to do—
Up around down and across makes two.

Number three is simple to see—
Draw two humps sideways and that’s a three.

Number four I do adore—
Go down, across, then down some more.

We’ve reached five, now let’s not stop—
Pull down, circle round, put a hat on top.

Number six is easy to fix—
Big curve, small loop will give you six.

Number seven is really sizzlin’—
Straight across, slant down, and that’s a seven.

Number eight isn’t very straight—
Make “S” then back up for an eight.

Number nine I think you’re fine—
A loop on top of a long straight line.

Number ten we’ve reached the end—
Put a one by a zero and count again:

1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10!

Activities:  Write numerals in the air as you chant.

Make a book similar to the one shown.  Make dots on the numerals with glue. Children can trace over the dots as they chant.

Squirt shaving cream (non-menthol) on a table or smooth surface. Children can write numerals in the shaving cream as you sing.

Make large numerals on a sheet of paper as shown.  Place in a clear sheet protector.  Children can roll play dough and place it on top of the numeral.  Then they can make a set with that many objects.

Give children pretzel sticks and pretzel twists.  Can they make numerals by nibbling and breaking the pretzels?

Sing and Spell  (“Totally Math” CD)

Sing and spell with me;
It’s easy as can be.
Just sing a song
And learn along—
It’s so much fun, you’ll see.

Z-e-r-o spells zero,
O-n-e spells one,
T-w-o spells two,
Now we’ve just begun.

T-h-r-e-e, three,
F-o-u-r, four,
F-i-v-e, five,
Now let’s spell some more.

S-i-x spells six,
You’re spelling like a pro.
S-e-v-e-n, seven,
Three more numbers to go.

E-i-g-h-t, eight,
N-i-n-e  nine,
T-e-n spells ten,
Let’s spell them one more time.

Zero – z – e – r – o
One – o-n-e
Etc.

Activities: *Download the attached number words for children to hold up as they sing. (Click here to download.)