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Count and compare · Lesson 2 of 32

An empty plate: zero

Read with an adult. Take your time. You can say, point, draw or write your answer.

Let's look together

A plate can have some apples or no apples. When there are no apples, we say zero. We write zero as 0.

Zero is a number. It tells us there are none of the things we are counting.

0 counters: none
Look, point and talk with your adult.

Watch how I do it

I put two blocks on a plate. I take both away. Now there are no blocks: 0.

Your turn

A plate has one block. You take that block away. How many blocks are left?

Have a go before opening the answer.

Let's check together

Zero. The plate is empty.

Try it away from the page

Make a plate with 0, a plate with 1 and a plate with 2. Point to the empty one.

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Adult notes · prerequisites, safety and coverage

Prerequisite: count small sets. Explain that the plate still exists; zero describes the number of blocks, not every object in view.

Use large counters, blocks and paper before symbols. Revisit a lesson until the child can show and explain the idea. Numbers grow from 0–10 to 20, then 100; these pages are not a one-sitting course.

These are teaching introductions, not a claim of mastery. Open the subject's coverage map and limits.

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