Teaching Tally Marks

Teaching tally marks is one of the first things I do to kick-off the new math curriculum.  Why teach tally marks at the beginning of first grade?

-Practice counting

-Practice making groups

-Practice counting groups

-Practice counting by 1's, 5's and 10's

-Practice counting on...

-It is hands-on!

The following are some ideas that I use:

-Students manipulate stick-shaped objects.  Students use popsicle sticks, straws, stick pretzels etc. when practicing tally marks. 

-Create popsicle stick stories!  While you show the children the sticks, tell them a story.  When I use the trees, I make-up a story about how I need to cut down the last tree.  You can take your hand and make chopping noises as the tree falls down.  When I use the people, I make-up a story about the last kid tripping or falling down and the other 4 kids catch him.  Get creative and silly because with some kiddos, the stories really do help!

Popsicle Stick Stories- Create trees out of popsicle sticks to represent tally marks.  Share a story about the trees and why one of them falls down.

Popsicle Stick Stories- Create people out of popsicle sticks to represent tally marks.  Share a story about the people and why one of them falls down.

This is an inexpensive, quick way to teach this concept.  The following supplies are all you need...

 

Click the links below for additional tally mark resources.

Tally Mark Printables

Tally Mark Puzzles (1-10)

Tally Mark Cut and Paste in Order

Tally Mark Houses Cut and Paste

Top Hat Tally Mark Cut and Paste