Number Formation Rhymes: A Rhyme For Every Number From 0 To 10
Number formation rhymes are short chants that describe how to write each numeral, where it starts and which way it goes. Tap a number to see its rhyme light up as it is written, then print the display or cards.
On this page
Play The Number Rhymes
Watch Each Number With Its Rhyme
What Are Number Formation Rhymes?
Number formation rhymes are short chants that match each part of a numeral's movement, so children say the movement while writing it. They work like letter formation rhymes, applied to numerals.
Rhymes are used mostly in Reception and Year 1. Children hear the chant, say it while tracing in the air, then say it as they write. The chant is a reminder of the movement set out on number formation.
What Is The Rhyme For Each Number From 0 To 10?
These rhymes are our own. Each names the start point and the direction, so the words carry the movement. Change any of them to match your school's.
| Number | Our rhyme |
|---|---|
| 0 | Start at the top, curl round and close |
| 1 | Straight down from the top |
| 2 | Curve over, slide down, then across |
| 3 | Curve out, curve out, and stop |
| 4 | Slide down, across, lift, then down |
| 5 | Down, curve round, lift, then across the top |
| 6 | Curve down and round into the loop |
| 7 | Across the top, slide down |
| 8 | Snake down, then back up to close |
| 9 | Circle at the top, then straight down |
| 10 | Straight down for one, then curl round for nought |
Say the rhyme as the pencil moves, one part for each part of the movement.
Which Rhymes Help With Numbers Written Backwards?
Rhymes help most with reversals when their first words say where the numeral starts and which way it goes. The numbers children reverse most often are 2, 3, 5 and 7, according to NHS Berkshire guidance, and they often write 6 for 9.
Rhymes for those numbers put the direction first:
- 2: "Curve over" tells the pencil to head right first.
- 3: "Curve out, curve out" keeps both bumps facing right.
- 5: "Down, curve round" puts the stem before the flag, which is added last.
- 7: "Across the top" starts from the top left, and the slide goes down to the left.
- 9: "Circle at the top" separates it from 6, which starts at the top and curves down.
If reversals continue after about age 7 or 8, ask the class teacher. See letter reversals for more.
Are There Rhymes For Numbers 11 To 20?
Numbers 11 to 20 do not need new rhymes because they reuse the digits 0 to 9. Children practise the spacing between the two digits instead, keeping them side by side with a small gap. The number formation page has a 10 to 20 toggle for that.
Questions About Number Formation Rhymes
Can I Print Number Rhymes For A Display?
Yes. Tap Print above for an A4 display strip, A6 cards or a number line, with each rhyme under its numeral.
Are These The Same Rhymes My Child's School Uses?
Not necessarily. Schools and phonics or maths schemes use their own. Ask the class teacher for the school's words and use those at home.
Do Rhymes Work For Older Children?
Yes, for any child who still reverses or hesitates over a numeral. Keep it short and let the child say the rhyme quietly.