Mastering Digits 0, 1, and 2
Let's learn the sounds for your first three digits: 0, 1, and 2. We'll take them one at a time, with plenty of examples and practice.
🧠 Memory Trick
"Zero" starts with a Z sound. Zero = Z = 0.
Also, think of the hissing sound a snake makes: "Sssss" — and a snake looks like a zero when coiled!
Example Words for 0:
✏️ Quick Check
What number is the word "ace"?
Reveal answer
0 — the "c" in ace makes an S sound (soft c)
🧠 Memory Trick
A lowercase t has one downstroke.
Picture writing the letter "t" — one vertical line going down. One stroke = 1.
Example Words for 1:
✏️ Quick Check
What number is the word "add"?
Reveal answer
1 — the "dd" makes one D sound (double letters = one sound)
🧠 Memory Trick
A lowercase n has two downstrokes.
Picture the letter "n" — it has two vertical lines (or "humps"). Two strokes = 2.
Example Words for 2:
✏️ Quick Check
What number is the word "knee"?
Reveal answer
2 — the "k" is silent, so it's just the N sound
🎯 Practice: Lock It In
Before moving on, let's make sure these three mappings are solid. Try these exercises:
Exercise 1: Number → Sound
What sound(s) does each digit make?
Show
T, D, TH
Show
S, Z
Show
N
Exercise 2: Word → Number
What number does each word represent?
Show answer
02 (S=0, N=2)
Show answer
121 (T=1, N=2, T=1)
Show answer
02 (Z=0, N=2)
Show answer
11 (D=1, T=1 (the "a"s don't count))
Show answer
20 (N=2, S=0)
Exercise 3: Number → Word
Think of a word for each number (many answers possible):
Show examples
tin, ton, den, tune, teen
Show examples
sit, set, sad, zit, soda
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nose, nice, news, noose
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net, nut, knot, night, note
📋 Lesson 3 Summary
Great progress! Ready for digits 3, 4, and 5?