How to Teach Zero
Zero is the linchpin of the number line and an all-important math concept. Learn how to teach zero to kids with these activities.
Learning About Zero
Did you know that zero has a history?
Ancient civilizations like the Babylonians and the Mayans independently developed a system to express the absence of a digit.
They used a placeholder to designate that no digit was present; this is not zero as we know it today.
Zero, as its own digit and with its own symbol, was first invented in the 7th century CE by the mathematician Brahmahupta.
Brahmagupta used zero in his place value system and incorporated it into math equations with addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
He used a dot or a small circle to signify zero.
Later, Islamic scholars translated his work, and then Italian scholars (like Fibonacci) translated the Arabic texts. Zero was now popular!
Today, zero is the first natural number. It has special properties and helps us express numbers in our place value system.
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How to Teach the Concept of Zero to Kids
Before you teach zero as a digit or a number, you need to teach it as a concept. Here are some activities to do just that.
Use Number Stories with Manipulatives
All children love stories, and you can teach them math concepts through storytelling.
Use math manipulatives as the visual aid for your story.
My favorite math manipulatives for the early years are these colored teddy bears.
(This set has the added advantage of teaching sorting and practicing fine motor skills since it comes with cups and tweezers).
You can keep the math stories simple but fun. Here’s an example:
Place a blue piece of construction paper in front of the child. Count out five teddy bears.
“Five teddy bears went to the swimming pool on a hot, hot day. They splashed in the water to cool off. Let’s count them as they swim across the pool: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.”
“Then, one teddy bear heard his mom calling him for lunch. So he left to get his tuna fish sandwich. How many teddy bears are left?”
“Let’s count them as they swim across the pool. 1, 2, 3, 4 teddy bears.”
Repeat this process, coming up with various reasons why the teddy bears have to leave the pool one by one.
When the teddy bears are all gone, say, “Now there are no teddy bears at the pool. We say there are zero teddy bears.”
How many teddy bears are swimming in the pool? Say it with me: zero.”
Count Out Containers
You can use toy bins (or the cups that came with the teddy bear set) for this activity.
Use manipulatives or other uniform objects (like Cheerios or mandarin oranges) that will fit inside your bins or cups.
With the child, count out manipulatives to place in the bins. You can start with a small number (like three).
In the next bin, count out two manipulatives.
In another bin, count out one.
When you get to the last bin, do not add any manipulatives. Explain that there are zero [teddy bears, oranges, Cheerios, etc).
You can have the child order the bins from least to greatest and compare the quantities in the bins and “more” or “less.”
You can also ask the child to identify which bins have two, three, zero, and one object.
Teaching Zero as a Digit
Most children learn to recognize the counting numbers (1, 2, 3, etc…) before they learn zero.
In this case, you need to teach zero as a digit.
You can do this through coloring pages and tracing activities.
Use a math puzzle to teach the digits (and have manipulatives on hand for later arithmetic problems). Just be sure to choose a set like this one with the digit zero!
Books can also help with the concept of zero and digit recognition.
Zero the Hero
In this book by Joan Holub, zero is counted out by the other numbers. He proves himself invaluable by showcasing his incredible properties.
Zero Is the Leaves on the Tree
This beautiful picture book explores the concept of zero with examples from nature and the real world. A great discussion starter!
None the Number
This humorous book explains the concept of zero with charming text and illustrations.
Activities That Teach Zero
These activities will help children see zero as a number, idea, and value.
Hide and Seek with Zero
Any game (such as hide and seek) that requires counting can be retooled to incorporate zero.
Instead of counting backward from 10 to 1, insist the seeker count from 10 to 0.
This steady reinforcement will make zero familiar and approachable.
Math Scavenger Hunt
Send kids on a scavenger hunt to find various amounts of objects.
This could include five spoons, four unused pencils, and three socks with blue on them.
Incorporate zero into the scavenger hunt, such as “a piece of paper with zero lines on it” or “a container with zero objects inside it.”
Zero in Real Life
Point out zero in real life. The more you talk about it, the more your kids will understand it.
Point out containers with zero objects (e.g., zero cookies in the jar, zero cereal left in the box, zero people in a vehicle, zero items in a cart).
Zero Art
Give drawing prompts that involve the number zero, such as a ladybug with zero spots, a sky with zero clouds, or a tree with zero leaves.
How to Teach Zero
Zero is a fundamental math concept and an all-important digit that helps us keep track of place value and express quantity.
It also communicates the idea of nothingness. It is the origin of the number line and a must for completing arithmetic.
You can teach zero to kids to kids with these resources, conversation tips, and activities.
Teaching zero is not nothing; it’s important!
