Why You Should Be Using Number of the Day in Your Classroom

1. Develops Number Sense

Number sense is more than just recognising numbers—it’s about understanding how numbers relate to one another and how they can be manipulated. A Number of the Day routine allows students to explore numbers deeply, breaking them down into their components (hundreds, tens, and ones), identifying patterns, and building fluency.

Over time, students become comfortable with numbers, making mental calculations more intuitive. They begin to notice numerical relationships and patterns, which helps them transition smoothly to more complex mathematical concepts.

2. Reinforces Place Value

Understanding place value is a fundamental skill that students will use throughout their education. The  Place Value Number of the Day Practice Sheets  encourage students to break numbers down into expanded form, write them in different ways, and represent them visually.

By consistently working with different numbers, students gain a deeper appreciation for how our number system works and can more easily transition to multi-digit addition, subtraction, and beyond.

3. Builds Mental Maths Strategies

Mental maths is an essential skill that allows students to perform calculations quickly and efficiently without relying on written methods. 

The Number of the Day routine is a fantastic way to encourage students to use and develop mental maths strategies such as:

• Doubles and near doubles

• Fact families

• Making 10

• Bridging through 10 and 100

• Skip counting

Our  Place Value Number of the Day Practice Sheets  include an editable version, allowing you to tailor the mental maths section to suit your students’ needs. 

Whether you want them to focus on addition, subtraction, multiplication, or problem-solving, you can customise the worksheets to reinforce the strategies you’re teaching.

4. Encourages Daily Mathematical Thinking

Maths should be a daily practice, not just something students do during explicit numeracy lessons. A Number of the Day routine ensures that students are engaging with numbers every single day.

By integrating it into your morning routine or daily warm-up, you create a structured opportunity for students to practise their skills without it feeling overwhelming.

5. Promotes Independence and Confidence

Repetition is key when it comes to mastering new concepts. The more students work with numbers, the more confident they become. Because Number of the Day follows a consistent structure, students quickly learn what to expect and can complete activities with increasing independence.

This sense of familiarity and success builds confidence, helping students feel more comfortable working with numbers in different contexts.

Incorporating Number of the Day into your routine doesn’t have to be repetitive or boring! Here are some creative and engaging ways to make the most of this powerful numeracy tool:

1. Morning Warm-Up

Start your day with a quick Number of the Day discussion. Display the number on the board and work through different representations together. Ask questions like:

• What is this number in expanded form?

• What is one more and one less?

• Can you write it in words?

• What happens if we add 10 or 100?

This simple warm-up gets students thinking about numbers from the moment they walk into the classroom.

2. Mystery Number Challenge

Turn Number of the Day into a guessing game! Give students clues about the number, such as:

• It has 3 digits.

• The sum of its digits is 9.

• It is greater than 250 but less than 300.

Students can work together or independently to determine the mystery number before revealing it and completing their worksheet.

3. Partner or Small Group Work

Pair students up and have them complete different parts of the Number of the Day worksheet together. 

One student might solve the expanded form while the other writes the number in words. Then, they swap and check each other’s work. This encourages collaboration and mathematical discussions.

4. Hands-On Place Value Exploration

Use manipulatives like base ten blocks, MABs, unifix cubes, or number lines to represent the Number of the Day in a tactile way. Having students physically build numbers reinforces place value understanding.

5. Daily Challenge Question

Each day, add an extra challenge related to the Number of the Day :

• Find 10 different ways to make this number using addition and subtraction.

• Multiply this number by 2, then subtract 10. What’s the new number?

• Write a real-life story problem using today’s number.

These challenges extend learning and keep students engaged.

6. Fast Finisher Activity

Keep a stack of Number of the Day worksheets available for early finishers. Instead of asking, “What do I do now?” students can grab a sheet and get straight into productive practice.

7. Homework or Remote Learning Practice

Because the Place Value Number of the Day Practice Sheets  are printable and easy to use, they make an excellent take-home activity. Parents can support their child’s numeracy skills by working through a daily number together.

One of the best parts about our Number of the Day resource is its flexibility. With two versions —one with editable mental maths columns and one without—you can tailor the activity to your classroom needs.

• Need to reinforce a specific strategy? Use the editable version to add targeted mental maths questions.

• Short on prep time? Print and go with the ready-made worksheet.

No matter how you use it, the  Place Value Number of the Day Practice Sheets will become a staple in your maths routine, helping students develop number sense, improve fluency, and build confidence in their mathematical abilities.

If you’re looking for a simple, effective way to strengthen numeracy skills in your classroom, a Number of the Day routine is the answer. By making it a daily habit, students will gain the confidence, fluency, and number sense they need to succeed.

Try our Place Value Number of the Day Practice Sheets today and bring meaningful, structured number sense practice into your classroom!

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