Missing Numbers to 30

It is important for our little learners to be able to count from any number. This means, you say to them 'count from 12' and they can say the number 12 and keep counting forward or backward.

It is also essential for addition and subtraction to be very familiar with the numbers which are close by a given number - one or two more or less than a given number. 

Our Missing Pencils printable math center can help students use and develop these skills in an engaging way! They will find missing numbers in small 3 number sequences between 1 and 30. 

Included in our printable file is:

• a teaching tips page
• a detailed instruction sheet
• 29 game boards
• 29 number cards
• a worksheet and
• cover page

Just print, laminate and snip on the fast-cut lines to prep this activity that is perfect for back to school.

Here today,  I will share with you a few ways to use the cards.

Missing numbers

• students place a yellow pencil into the gap on each card to show the missing number
• ask students to say the number sequence - forward and backward

Line Up

• once completed, students can line up all the pencil cards to show a numbers line from 11 to 30

Single count

• students can line up the single digit cards to show counting skills
• ask students to line the cards up in forward and backward sequence

Count

• play in pairs
• students take a single digit card to give them a starting point
• from this number they count forward or backward until their partner says 'stop'

Writing numbers

• students write missing numbers to practice numeral formation

We've included a worksheet in the pack as well which is a perfect follow-up learning activity to consolidate understanding.

Have fun teaching essential early number skills in your math rotations, groups and workshops with our print and play games! Find the printable pack over in our TpT store: