🔢 MathLevel 1Lesson 2
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Writing Numbers Neatly

Lesson preview: the Mini Lesson and Vocabulary are open to everyone. Guided practice, exercises, the parent checklist and the printable PDF worksheet come with full access (free 7-day trial or membership).

What you will learn

  • 1Write digits 0–9 neatly using the correct stroke order
  • 2Keep each number the right size and sitting on the baseline
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Mini Lesson

Writing numbers neatly helps everyone read them correctly — including you when you check your own work!

Start in the right place

  • Every digit starts at the top unless told otherwise.
  • Numbers sit on the baseline — they don't float up or sink below.
  • Example: Write 4 — start at the top left, go down, then across, then straight down.

Groups to practice

  • Curve family: 0, 3, 6, 8 — these are made only of curves.
  • Straight and curve: 2, 5, 9 — these mix a straight line with a curve.
  • Straight family: 1, 4, 7 — these are made only of straight lines.

Size and spacing

  • Each digit should be the same height — about the height of the space between the lines.
  • Leave a little gap between digits when writing a number like 12 or 47.

The trickiest digits

  • 5 — start at the top right, go left, then down and curve right. Don't make it look like an S.
  • 9 — draw a circle first, then a straight tail down. Keep the tail straight — don't curl it.

Words to know

Digit

A single number symbol from 0 to 9

e.g. 4 is a digit; 47 has two digits.

Baseline

The bottom line that letters and numbers sit on

e.g. My 7 sits right on the baseline.

Stroke

One smooth line you draw with your pencil

e.g. Write 1 with a single straight stroke.

Spacing

The gap left between digits or letters so they do not touch

e.g. Leave a small space between the 1 and the 2 in 12.

All ten digits 0–9 shown in three groupsThree labeled groups showing the curve family (0, 3, 6, 8), the mixed family (2, 5, 9), and the straight family (1, 4, 7), each on a baseline.Digit GroupsCurve family0368Straight + curve259Straight family147= where to start your pencil
Digits 0–9 grouped by stroke type — curve, mixed, and straight — with orange dots marking the starting point for each digit.
Baseline and size rules for writing digitsTwo examples showing a digit written correctly on the baseline at the right size, and a digit floating above the baseline too small.Sit on the baseline!✅ Correct73Sits on the line❌ Watch out73Too small, floatingThe 3-line check:Top line = top of tall partMiddle line = halfway • Baseline = bottom
A correct example of digits filling the lines and sitting on the baseline, compared to digits that float or are too small.
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Ask yourself: "Does my number sit on the line? Is it the right size? Can someone else read it easily?"

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