Number Representation Snowmen

Number representation is such an important skill for children to develop.  Understanding the concept of place value and representing numbers in different ways is essential to building that number sense!

This super cute snowman is perfect to use for number of the day practice, morning work or math centers and is easy to differentiate for all learners in your class.  For more number practice, snag our awesome Place Value Cover Up in our shop!

Getting Ready

To prep, I printed off the color version of the snowmen and slipped them through the laminator. This allowed the children to use the number representation cards as dry-erase boards with a white-board marker.

Then, I grabbed some whiteboard markers and erasers and we were ready to go!

Note: a black and white version of the snowman is included in the download (below) so that you can easily print one for each student or even make a little booklet for them.

Number Representation Snowmen

The first time we completed the activity, I gave the children the number that I wanted them to represent: 53.

Then, I said the number out loud and students wrote it in the “Number” box at the top of their page.

(When children worked on the activity on their own later, I gave them the freedom to select any number from their hundreds chart.)

Working together, we completed each section of the number representation snowman.

When asked to write it in words, I always have the children say it and write in exactly what they say. This is an important skill for when they work with numbers with more digits.  Furthermore, it’s an awesome habit that will to assist them if they are having trouble.

For expanded form, we talked about tens and ones and how we could break the number into those parts and then add them back up again.

If children are having difficulties with this part, I do the drawing of the place value first and then go back to expanded form.

Drawing place value is always a favorite!

I remind children that “math drawing” is clear, quick and easy to understand – not detailed like an art drawing.

I had actual place value blocks on hand for students who found that step to be difficult.

Extension Ideas with Number Representation

These number representation cards can also be used for those children who are ready to move to 3-digit numbers.  There’s plenty of space for them to show their numbers.

It is an easy way to differentiate, as all children are working on the same activity tailored to their level!

Grab Your Copy

Click the blue button below to download your number snowman and then hop over to try our Place Value Cover Up in our shop!