Education Technology


Helping Hands

Activity Overview

Students make their own finger signs for the numbers from zero to ten. Students relate each finger sign to its number name and numeral. They use the numeral keys and scrolling feature of the TI-10 to enhance the concrete-symbol connection and sequencing of numbers.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 73 - 80 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the page to the class.

    Follow the activity procedures:
    Activity A:

  • Hold up a number of objects and make finger signs for the number
  • Repeat for other numbers


  • Activity B:
  • Make finger signs for the numbers zero to five
  • Construct a paper hand manipulative workmat
  • Represent numbers using the paper hand mat


  • Activity C:
  • Make a finger sign for a number and identify the number symbol on the calculator


  • Activity D:
  • Write number names for each number from zero to five on separate word cards
  • Locate the corresponding numerals on the calculator keyboard


  • Activity E:
  • Play a game to match - finger signs for a number with corresponding paper fingers on the paper hand mat, entering the number on the calculator, and the appropriate number name card


  • Activity F:
  • Make finger signs for numbers six through ten
  • Use hand mat to show the numbers


  • Activity G:
  • Identify number symbols ( 6 to 10 ) on the calculator


  • Activity H:
  • Write number names for each number from six to ten and locate the numeral on the calculator
  • After the Activity

  • Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary