Make Teen Numbers Stick with Ice Cream Teens 🍦
Learning the teen numbers can be surprisingly tricky for young learners. Numbers like 13 and 30, or 14 and 40, are easily confused, and children need lots of opportunities to see the same number represented in different ways.
Ice Cream Teens from Math Pack 21 helps children build these connections in a fun, hands-on way. Students create an ice cream by matching scoops that show the same number in numeral, number word, and tally marks for the numbers 11–20.
Because children are physically matching and stacking the pieces, they're repeatedly connecting different representations of the same number while staying engaged in a playful activity.
Flexible for Different Learning Situations
One of the best things about Ice Cream Teens is how easily it fits into your math block.
It works beautifully as an independent math centre, giving students meaningful practice with concepts they've already been introduced to. Simply place the pieces in a tub or tray and let children build their ice cream towers while reviewing teen numbers at their own pace.
It's equally effective during guided math. As students search for matching scoops, the teacher can model strategies for checking each representation. For example, you might:
- Use a classroom number or math wall to compare the number word with the matching numeral.
- Show students how tally marks are grouped in sets of five before counting on.
- Encourage children to explain how they know the three scoops all represent the same number.
These simple conversations help students move beyond guessing and build real number understanding.
Three Easy Ways to Build Confidence with Teen Numbers
If your students need extra practice with numbers 11–20, try adding these quick activities to your daily routine.
1. Build Teen Numbers with Place Value Blocks
Use a place value mat with tens and ones. Have students make numbers such as 16 using one ten and six ones, then write the matching numeral and say the number aloud.
2. Order Number Cards
Mix number cards from 11–20 and have students place them in order. Once they're confident, remove a card and ask which number is missing, or challenge them to order the cards from greatest to least.3. Count Every Day
Include teen numbers in your daily counting routine. Pause occasionally and ask questions like, "What comes after 17?" or "What number comes before 15?" These quick discussions strengthen number sequence and help children become more fluent.A Sweet Way to Practice
Ice Cream Teens gives students repeated exposure to teen numbers in a way that is visual, hands-on, and easy to differentiate. Whether you're using it in a math centre, for guided instruction, or as extra review, it's a simple activity that helps children connect numerals, number words, and tally marks with confidence.If you're looking for engaging ways to help children master the numbers 11–20, Ice Cream Teens is one of the many activities included in Math Pack 21.