A variety of free educational materials are available to support children learning to count, write, and understand numbers up to 120. These resources are designed for educators, parents, and homeschoolers, primarily targeting early years and first-grade learners. The freebies cover activities such as number charts, worksheets, digital slides, and interactive games, focusing on foundational skills like number recognition, sequencing, skip counting, and place value. Most resources align with educational standards, such as the Common Core State Standard CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.NBT.A.1, which involves counting to 120, reading and writing numerals, and representing numbers with written numerals.
Types of Available Free Resources
The free educational materials can be categorised into several key types, each offering unique approaches to learning numbers up to 120.
Number Charts and Worksheets
Printable number charts are a cornerstone resource for visual learners. These include full-colour charts, black-and-white versions, and blank charts for students to complete. For instance, a full-colour 120 chart uses coloured columns to help students visualise the relationship between numbers, aiding in place value understanding. A black-and-white version is also available, which can be laminated for repeated use with dry-erase markers, allowing activities like skip counting, identifying number patterns, and labelling odd and even numbers. Blank 120 charts are provided so that first-grade students can fill them in themselves, reinforcing their learning.
Worksheets often complement these charts. One common type is the "missing numbers" worksheet, where students must fill in gaps in a sequence from 1 to 120. These are described as ideal for introducing and reinforcing number sequencing and are suitable for independent practice, math centres, or morning work. Another worksheet involves connecting dots to form a picture (such as a lion or a fish) while counting up to 120, making the learning process engaging and fun. Some worksheets are themed, such as "disguise a turkey" for Thanksgiving or "shamrock cards" for March, providing seasonal context to counting practice.
Activity-Based Resources
Beyond static worksheets, there are activity-based resources that encourage hands-on learning. One activity involves creating a 120 chart as a class, where each child is given a "start with" and a "get to" number and a sentence strip to write all the numbers between them. The strips are then mixed up, and students work together to assemble the complete chart, promoting collaboration and discussion. Another activity uses counting strips made from accountant tape, where students can start at 1 or a given random number to practice counting forwards and backwards.
Game-based learning is also featured. One freebie includes a "Missing Numbers" game where students use cute erasers to mark off a game board. Another involves number cards (like shamrock cards) that students can put in order up to 100 or 120, either in a pocket chart or a designated classroom area. These activities are designed to build fluency in number recognition and order.
Digital and Interactive Resources
For modern learning environments, digital resources are available. One freebie offers 12 Google Slides and 12 SeeSaw slides for interactive practice. These can be assigned via Google Classroom or Schoology for distance learning, used at home, or integrated into classroom centres and lessons. The digital format allows for interactive engagement, such as dragging and dropping numbers or completing sequences on a screen.
Specialised Skills: Skip Counting
Resources specifically target skip counting, a key skill for understanding number patterns. Free worksheets are available for skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s from 1 to 120. For example, skip counting by 2s worksheets include a number identification sheet and a sequence with missing numbers. Skip counting by 5s resources are described as beginner-friendly, ideal for classroom or at-home practice. For counting by 10s, printable "count by 10s" cards are provided, which are useful for centres, Response to Intervention (RtI) sessions, small groups, and whole-group activities. These cards are noted as being flexible for various educational settings.
Educational Applications and Flexibility
The free resources are marketed as highly flexible for multiple uses. They can be employed for: - Classwork and homework - Assessments - Fast finisher activities - Place value centres - Morning work - Homeschooling - Intervention sessions - Substitute teacher plans
The materials are described as "no prep," meaning they require minimal preparation—simply print and go. This makes them accessible for busy educators and parents. The resources are also noted as suitable for a range of learners, from those beginning to learn the number sequence to first graders who need continuous practice.
Common Core and Curriculum Alignment
Many of the freebies are aligned with the Common Core State Standard CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.NBT.A.1, which focuses on counting to 120, starting at any number less than 120, and reading and writing numerals. This standard is a key component of first-grade mathematics curricula. The resources are designed to help meet this standard through various activities, such as creating charts, filling in missing numbers, and using base ten blocks (mentioned in one freebie for number sense practice).
Access and Distribution
These free educational resources are primarily distributed through online platforms, with Teachers Pay Teachers being a common source. Many freebies are offered as a "thank you" to followers or customers, encouraging users to leave feedback. Some resources are part of larger bundles or products, with free samples available to introduce learners to the full version. For example, a connect-the-dots activity for counting to 120 is offered as a free sample from a larger set of themed animal activities.
Considerations for Use
While these resources are freely available, it is important for users to verify the specific requirements and suitability for their context. The materials are designed for early learners, typically kindergarteners and first graders, but may also be used for older students needing remedial practice. The themes and activities (e.g., Thanksgiving, shamrocks) may be seasonally specific, but the core numerical content is applicable year-round. Users should ensure that any digital resources are compatible with their devices and platforms (e.g., Google Slides, SeeSaw).
Conclusion
A wide array of free educational resources exists to support the teaching of numbers up to 120. These materials, ranging from printable charts and worksheets to interactive digital slides and hands-on activities, cater to various learning styles and settings. By focusing on foundational skills like counting, number recognition, sequencing, and skip counting, these freebies align with common educational standards and provide practical, no-prep solutions for educators and parents. Their flexibility in application—from classroom centres to homeschooling—makes them valuable tools for enhancing numerical fluency in young learners.