Nothing left: zero
Use zero to describe a collection with no objects.
Start with the objects ↓An idea to revisit first: One, two, three: counting →
Think with objects in front of you
Remove every object from the plate. The number left is 0, called zero.
There are three objects on a plate. Remove one: two remain. Remove another: one remains. Remove the last one: the plate is empty.
We can still say how many remain. Write 0 and say ‘zero’. Zero is an answer, not a missing answer.
Put one object on the empty plate: now there is 1. None and one are different, so 0 and 1 are different numbers.
Place an empty plate beside a plate with five objects. The empty plate contributes none. Combining their objects still gives five.
Listen one paragraph at a time
Now move the objects yourself
Remove objects until the collection is empty. Say ‘none’ and then reveal the number 0.
Tap objects to mark what you have counted. There is no time limit.
First collection
You may use small toys or blocks instead of the screen. Explain what stayed the same and what changed.
Check your idea with different examples
How does zero differ from leaving an answer blank?
You may speak or draw on paper. Look for these ideas in your explanation.
Continue reading, or pause here
Next, compare the counts of two collections.