Hero Zero Slides Hero Zero!
The Name for Nothing
0
The Magic Box
📦
Open it up!
💨
It's Empty!
What number means "Nothing"?
HERO
This is Hero Zero!
Hero Zero has nothing in his pockets.
Where is the Zero?
🍎🍎🍎
Apples: 3
🍎
ZERO
🍪
ZERO
🍪🍪
Cookies: 2
Can you say it?
Z-E-R-O
"Zero means none. Zero means nothing is there!"
Hero Zero Teacher Guide Hero Zero
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 1
Sequence: Number Names
Big Idea
Zero is a number name for a set with no objects.
Key Vocab
Zero, Nothing, None, Empty, Set
Goal
Identify empty sets and label them as "zero."
1
The Magic Box (5-7 mins)
Bring a colorful box or bag to the carpet. Tell students you have a "special gift" inside. Build the anticipation.
"I have a magic box today. Inside this box is my favorite snack. Let's count down... 3... 2... 1... Open!"
Show the empty box. Exaggerate your surprise. Ask: "How many snacks are in here?" Guide them to the realization that there is nothing or none .
2
Introducing the Hero (10 mins)
Use the Hero Zero Slides to introduce the character. Define zero as the special name for when we have nothing.
Draw a large circle in the air with your finger.
Have students chant: "Zero! Zero! We see NOTHING!"
Practice the "Zero Hand" (a closed fist or a circle with fingers).
3
The Empty Search (15 mins)
Set up three containers around the room: one with toys, one with crayons, and one completely empty.
Guided Questions:
"Which bucket has zero toys?" "How do you know it's zero?"
Misconception:
Students might confuse 'zero' with 'low numbers' like 1. Emphasize total absence.
4
Spot the Zero (Worksheet)
Distribute the Spot the Zero Worksheet . Students circle only the containers or sets that show the "Hero Zero" amount (none).
PRO-TIP: THE AIR WRITER
Pre-K students love large movements. Always have them "air-write" the zero using their whole arm before moving to paper. It builds the gross motor memory for the shape.
Spot the Zero Worksheet Spot the Zero!
Find Hero Zero's favorite sets.
Name:
Date:
Look at the boxes. Circle the ones that have NOTHING inside!
🍎🍎🍎
1
2
3
🚗🚗
4
Can you write ZERO?
0 0 0
Z
E
R
O
Word World Slides Numbers in Print
Numbers have names just like you!
1
ONE
Number Detectives
"Look around our room! Can you find a number hiding in a word?"
📖
On Books
🏷️
On Labels
🖼️
On Posters
Meet the "Word Names"
1
ONE
🎈
2
TWO
🎈🎈
3
THREE
🎈🎈🎈
0
ZERO
🎈
Match Game!
Ready to find the numeral and the name?
Word World Teacher Guide Number Words in Our World
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 2
Sequence: Number Names
Objective
Students will recognize that number words can be written with letters and match word cards to numerals 0-3.
Materials
• Word World Slides
• Number Match Cards (Printed/Cut)
• Large Classroom Labels
1 The Detective Hunt (10 mins)
Use the Word World Slides to set the stage. Tell students they are "Number Detectives" looking for words that hide numbers inside them.
"Did you know numbers have names spelled with letters just like YOUR name? If I write O-N-E, it's just like saying 'One'!"
Take the class on a "Print Walk" around the room. Point out calendars, clock labels, or book titles that feature number words.
2 Word Meet & Greet (10 mins)
Introduce the word cards for ZERO, ONE, TWO, THREE. Focus on the first letter of each word to help with visual differentiation.
Say It / See It
"Look at 'Two'. It starts with a T! What other words start with T? Train! Two!"
Guided Practice
Hold up the word "ONE" and have students hold up 1 finger. Hold up "ZERO" and show "nothing hands".
3 Number Match Game (15 mins)
Distribute the Number Match Cards . In pairs or small groups, students match the numeral card to the word name card.
Differentiation Tips
Support: Keep the slides visible so students can use them as a "cheat sheet" to match the shapes of the words.
Challenge: Add the "Quantity" card (dots) to the mix for students ready to connect Word → Numeral → Amount.
Circle Time Debrief
"Which number word looks the longest? Which one starts like 'Sun'? (Six/Seven - previewing future numbers!)"
Number Match Cards Number Match Cards
Cut along the dotted lines to play the matching game!
NUMERAL
0
WORD
ZERO
NUMERAL
1
WORD
ONE
NUMERAL
2
WORD
TWO
NUMERAL
3
WORD
THREE
Teacher Tip: Laminate these cards to use them over and over in your Math Centers!
Three Forms Slides The Triple Match
One number. Three different faces!
1
The Number
ONE
The Word
The Dots
Workshop Stations
Work Together
Find a partner and look at the puzzle pieces.
Match All 3
Make sure the Numeral, the Dots, and the Word match!
Let's Try TWO
2
Numeral
TWO
Word
Quantity
Wait! What about ZERO?
0
ZERO
EMPTY!
Hero Zero doesn't have any dots at all!
🧩
Puzzle Time!
Can you find all three faces for every number?
Three Forms Teacher Guide The Three Forms of a Number
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 3
Sequence: Number Names
Instructional Goal
Solidify the link between the abstract numeral, the linguistic word name, and the concrete quantity.
1
The Triple Reveal (10 mins)
"Imagine numbers are like superheroes with secret identities. Sometimes they wear their 'Shape' costume (1), sometimes they wear their 'Name' costume (ONE), and sometimes they show their 'Power' (the dot!)."
Use the Three Forms Slides to demonstrate. Practice saying the number name while pointing to each representation.
2
Puzzle Station Workshop (25 mins)
Transition students to stations equipped with the Number Puzzle Mats . Students should work in pairs to promote mathematical discourse.
Teacher Moves
Ask: "How do you know this word says TWO?" (Look for "Starts with T").
Check for "Zero": Ensure they understand why the dot side is empty.
Common Error
Students often match by color if the mats are colored. Encourage them to verify by counting the dots and "reading" the word name.
3
The Fast Match (5 mins)
In a circle, hold up a large word card (e.g., "THREE"). Students must respond by holding up the correct number of fingers. Then hold up the numeral (3). Students chant "Three!" together.
Level Up!
For advanced students, provide blank puzzle pieces and have them draw their own quantity and attempt to write the number word using the classroom word wall as a guide.
Number Puzzle Mats Number Puzzle Mats
Match the Numeral, the Word, and the Dots!
Shape
0
Name
ZERO
Dots
NONE!
Shape
1
Name
ONE
Dots
Shape
2
Name
TWO
Dots
Shape
3
Name
THREE
Dots
Print on heavy cardstock and cut into three sections for student use.
Rhythm Chant Slides Number Beats
Tap, Chant, and Count!
0
...
10
Sticky Beats
TAP-TAP!
"Pick up your sticks. Every time we say a name, we give it a beat. Let's see which name has the MOST beats!"
The Starting Line
0 ZERO
1 ONE
Short vs Long
1
ONE
1 TAP
7
SEVEN
2 TAPS
🎤
0 to 10
Grand Chant!
Loud and Proud: ZERO... ONE... TWO...
Rhythm Chant Teacher Guide Zero to Ten Rhythm Chant
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 4
Sequence: Number Names
Primary Skill
Phonological awareness (syllables) applied to number names.
Secondary Skill
One-to-one correspondence between speech and movement.
1
Sticky Fingers (5 mins)
Introduce rhythm sticks (or clapping if sticks aren't available). Model the "Quiet Sticks" position (sticks in lap or on shoulders) before starting.
"Our sticks have a job today. They help us hear the beats in our names. Can you tap out your name? 'MA-RY' (Tap-Tap)."
2
The Number Chant (15 mins)
Use the Rhythm Chant Slides . Lead the class in a slow, rhythmic count from ZERO to TEN.
The Pattern
Say the number name, then tap the syllable(s).
"Zero! (Tap-Tap). One! (Tap). Two! (Tap)."
Hero Zero Check
Always start with ZERO. Remind them: "Zero starts the line!"
3
The Longest Name (10 mins)
Challenge students to identify which numbers have the most beats.
Zero: 2 Taps (Ze-ro)
Seven: 2 Taps (Sev-en)
One, Two, Three: 1 Tap (Short names!)
Vocal Dynamics
Encourage students to whisper the short names and shout (safely) the long names to further emphasize the phonological differences.
Syllable Tap Worksheet Tap the Beats!
How many beats in each name?
Name:
Date:
Say the name. Clap the beats. Color one circle for every clap!
0
ZERO
"Ze - ro"
1
ONE
"One"
2
TWO
"Two"
3
THREE
"Three"
7
SEVEN
"Sev - en"
Which one is the LONGEST?
Draw a star next to the name with the MOST circles colored!
Author Day Slides Author Day!
Writing Our Class Book
📖
✍️
🔢
Today, YOU are an Author!
💭
Think
Choose your favorite number name.
🖍️
Draw
Show the quantity with stickers or dots.
🖋️
Write
Trace the letters of the name carefully.
Which one will you pick?
1
ONE
2
TWO
3
THREE
0
Zero
Our Class Book
"When we are done, we will put all our pages together to make a real book for our library!"
"Our Favorite Number Names"
By: The Preschool Authors
GO!
Pick your number and start your page!
Author Day Teacher Guide Creating a Number Name Book
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 5
Sequence: Number Names
Culminating Project
Students synthesize their learning into a page for the class book, connecting the numeral, quantity, and written name.
1
The Choice (10 mins)
Review the number words 0, 1, 2, and 3 using the Author Day Slides . Ask each student to whisper their "favorite" number to a neighbor. Give them autonomy in their selection.
2
Studio Workshop (30 mins)
Distribute the My Number Page template. Provide materials: dot stickers, crayons, and stamps.
Order of Operations
1. Trace the numeral and word first.
2. Place stickers to match the quantity.
3. Decorate the page border.
Support Strategies
For students struggling with motor control, encourage using a finger to trace the word name first before using a crayon.
If they choose ZERO , celebrate! Ask how they will show the "power" of zero (leaving the sticker area empty).
3
The Author Reveal (10 mins)
Have each author stand and show their page. Assemble the book using a three-hole punch and yarn or binder rings. Place a cover titled "Our Favorite Number Names" on the front.
Library Tour
Place the finished book in the class reading nook. Allow students to "read" the number names to their friends during choice time. This builds pride and reinforces visual word recognition.
My Number Page I am an Author!
By: ________________________
Numeral
?
Number Name
Write the letters here!
My Sticker Collection
"I have this many!"
✨ 🌈 ✨
Our Class Book
