How I Teach Numbers 1–20 to ELL Students

 Teaching numbers from 1 to 20 to English Language Learners is more than just counting. For ELL students, numbers must be taught through visual support, repetition, hands-on practice, and meaningful language use. Over the years, I’ve found that a structured, multi-step approach helps students truly understand numbers by reviewing them along the school year in each unit possible.

1.   Start with Visual Number Recognition

I always begin with clear, visual number flashcards that show:

The numeral, A matching quantity, The number Word

This helps students connect what the number looks like, how it sounds, and what it represents. We practice by:

·         Pointing to numbers as we say them

·         Matching numerals to quantities

This step is essential for ELLs because it builds vocabulary and confidence before moving into worksheets or games.

2.    Move to Hands-On Small Cards

Once students recognize the numbers, we practice with hands-on counting

activities, among others:

·         memory

·         Order in Number sequence and writing activities

·         Bingo

 3.   Use Worksheets for Independent Practice

After plenty of oral and hands-on practice, students are ready for worksheets. I use them to review with students:

·         Listen and color the number 1 to 20 and then fill in the blank

·         Read and color following the code.

·         Match numerals, words, and writing the number.

Because students already understand the concepts, worksheets become reinforcement, not a struggle.

4.   Reinforce Learning with Games

Games are one of the most effective ways to review numbers 1–20.

I include:

·         Simple board games

·         Matching games

·         Coloring with the cards

Games allow students to repeat numbers naturally, practice classroom language (“My turn,” “I got number 10”), stay engaged while reviewing key skills.

Why You should Use the Numbers 1–20 Bundle

To make teaching easier and more consistent,  that includes:

·         Visual flashcards

·         Hands-on games

·         Worksheets for guided and independent practice

·         Teaching tips

Everything is designed to be ELL-friendly, low-prep, and flexible, so teachers can use the materials for whole group, small groups, centers, or intervention.

👉 You can find the Numbers 1–20 for Elementary ELLs bundle here at my   TPT STORE:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Numbers-120-ELL-BUNDLE-Math-Centers-Games-Counting-Recognition-Writing-14393741

Final Tip for Teachers

When teaching numbers to ELL students, remember:
✔️ Start visual with your flashcards
✔️ Add movement and hands-on with the small cards
✔️ Use Worksheets for practice
✔️ Reinforce with games for production
This approach builds real understanding, not just memorization—and it helps students feel successful from the start.

Visit my blog for preschool teachers here: EFL Preschool Teachers Blog. You'll find practical activities, tips, and resources designed to make learning fun and effective for little ones!

 

Christmas Snowglobes Numbers 1–20 Activity Pack

 This resource is included in the complete resource, ready to download:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Weather-Flashcards-for-Elementary-ESL-EFL-3664474

This resource provides hands-on activities that support number recognition, reading number words, and sequencing. For teachers, it offers ready-to-use, low-prep materials that can be used across centers, small groups, and whole-class lessons. For students, the visual themes and interactive tasks, reinforce essential math concepts in a meaningful way.

Flashcard Activities & Games: Use these for repeated, hands-on exposure in a playful and non-threatening way.

 Snowglobe Hunt & Count (Movement Game). Hide the snowglobe flashcards around the room. Students walk with mini number collectors (printable sheet with a blank snowglobe). When they find a card, they: Say the number out loud and then, write the number in the snowglobe printable. Give the students a Time challenge — find numbers 1–20 in 2 minutes.

Students will place the flashcards in number order on the board.

The small cards are a flexible and essential tool for any lesson plan focused on numbers 1–20. They’re easy to reuse for centers, fast finishers, and teacher-led reviews—making them a practical and versatile resource.

 Snowglobe Number Build & Write Activity.  For this winter math center, students choose a Snowglobe Number card, use foam letters to build the number word, and then write it on their recording sheet. It’s perfect for literacy + math integration.

 Snowglobe Number SequencingThe teacher calls out a short number sequence (like 15, 16, 17, 18), and students search for the matching snowglobe cards, then work together to place them in the correct order on the table. It’s perfect for visual learners.

Cut the number word out of the card and have students play match.

 The worksheets in this resource provide structured, purposeful practice that reinforces the skills introduced during hands-on activities.

Follow the Code on the Snowglobe Number worksheet.  These help students build number recognition 1 to 20 and color word skills. Students follow the color code to color the snowballs correctly. It’s a great independent activity.

Listen and Color the Snowglobe Number worksheet. This interactive winter worksheet combines number recognition with listening skills! As the teacher calls out colors for each number (e.g., “Color number 12 yellow”), students find and color each number inside the snowglobe accordingly. It’s perfect for whole group instruction.

Match the Number Words Worksheet.  Learners draw lines to match each snowglobe’s numeral to the correct written word, strengthening both literacy and math skills in a holiday-themed format.

Write the Number Word Worksheet. This handwriting practice worksheet invites students to write number words for numerals 10 through 20.

Complete the Number Sequence Worksheet. Learners reinforce numbers 1 to 20 sequencing.

 These games and activities are flexible for centers, small groups, or whole-class use, and they support multiple learning styles—visual, kinesthetic, auditory.

Christmas Numbers Board Game. This game is a fun way for students to practice number recognition. With playful twists like “Miss a Turn” and “Go Back One Space,” learners stay engaged while reinforcing early math skills.

In the matching mats activity, students reinforce number and word association by placing number cards and snow globe illustrations on a matching mat.

Glue the colored template onto a toilet paper roll to make it stand.  Give the students the words in snowballs to match in a hands-on way to reinforce word reading.

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Elf Christmas Gifts Math & Literacy Activities | Numbers, Colors, Vocabulary Games & Worksheets

 This resource is included in The Birthday Unit: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Birthday-Unit-for-Elementary-ESL-5279726

Bring Christmas joy into your classroom with this fun Elf & Gift themed activity pack! This resource includes flashcards, board games, matching mats, worksheets, color activities, number games (1–20), writing prompts, sentence building, reading and coloring pages, and hands-on printable centers. Perfect for kindergarten and elementary ELL/ESL learners to practice vocabulary, numbers, colors, and simple sentences through play-based learning. Easy to prep — just print, cut, and teach!

Repeat After Me Echo Game.
Teacher shows a flashcard → students repeat like whispering elves.

Teacher: He’s an ELF! He has a gift.

Teacher: What color is the gift?

Students: It’s blue and red.

Slap the small Card
I spread the small cards on the carpet and called out a word. The students listened carefully and quickly slapped or touched the matching card. It’s a perfect way to review Christmas words and build listening skills.

Elf Delivery Relay-feed me box
I spread the elf cards on the floor and gave the students a challenge — choose a card, say the vocabulary word out loud, and “deliver” it to the Feed-Me Gift Box. The repetition helped reinforce new vocabulary naturally through play.

Elf Sentences – Simple Writing Practice for Young Learners

In this activity, students used the elf flashcards to build and write simple sentences using the frame “The elf has a ___.” Each child chose a card, identified the gift the elf was holding, and completed the sentence on their paper.

📝 Printables worksheets.

Read & Color – Christmas Elf Gifts Worksheet

It is perfect for practicing reading comprehension and color vocabulary in a fun Christmas theme. Students read each sentence, identify the colors, and then color the elf’s gift to match.

Christmas Gift Color Worksheet

Students color each gift according to the label, reinforcing word recognition. It’s a quick printable that works beautifully for centers, morning work, or a warm-up lesson during the holiday season!

What's Inside the Gift? Creative Writing & Coloring Activity

Inside the big Christmas present, students will draw gifts. Children then complete short sentences such as “The gift has a bike.” or “The gift has a game and a shirt.”

Number Word Gift Coloring Game – Turn, Read & Color!

Review number words 1 to 10 during Christmas lessons! Students turn over a gift card from the deck, read the number word, and then color the matching present on the sleigh. Each turn keeps students excited, because they never know which number they’ll get next!

It’s perfect for practicing number word recognition (one–ten), counting, and fine motor skills — plus it works beautifully as a center game, small-group rotation, or partner activity.

Number & Gift Match Game

In this Christmas math matching game, students turn over a card and find the gift pile with the same number. They can match number form, number word, or gift pictures depending on the card they draw. It’s a fun and hands-on way to practice numbers 1–20 while building memory, recognition, and counting skills. Perfect for centers, partner play, early finishers, or small groups during the holiday season!

Color Matching Christmas Gifts Game

For this activity, students match each color word card to the present with the same color bow and wrapping. They take turns choosing a card, reading the color, and placing it on the correct gift.

Christmas Numbers Board Game – Fun Math Practice for Young Learners

This festive board game is a wonderful way to practice number recognition, counting, and speaking skills. Children roll a die, move along the colorful path, and read each number they land on aloud. As they play, they record the numbers they land on using the matching worksheet. This adds a meaningful writing component.

The game works perfectly for pairs or small groups.

Birthday Unit and Face vocabulary ESL resource — printable flashcards, speaking & writing activities to teach face parts and birthday words for elementary learners is part of the complete pack. Go to the blog post: https://eflelementaryresources.blogspot.com/2025/11/birthday-monsters-activity-pack-esl.html

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