NCERT Joyful Mathematics, Class 1, textbook pages 84–97

How to teach Class 1 Maths Chapter 8, Fun with Numbers, at home

Numbers 21 to 99, taught with things you already have at home: a 10-minute activity, a game for the week, a 5-day plan and the mistakes to watch for.

4 tens and 3 ones = 43

NCERT Class 1 Maths Chapter 8 Fun with Numbers: what it teaches

Big numbers are built from tens and ones. 43 is 4 bundles of ten and 3 loose. Once this clicks, counting to 99 is just the pattern from 1 to 9 repeated ten times.

Why it matters later. Tens and ones is place value, one of the most important ideas in primary maths. Carrying and borrowing in Class 2 and 3 only make sense to a child who sees 43 as 4 tens and 3 ones.

See it: this chapter in pictures

4 tens3 ones43: tens first, then ones
Every two-digit number is bundles and loose sticks.
41424344454647484950515253₹5556575859606162636465666768697071727374757677787980which number is under the coin? (54)
The chart shows the pattern: down one row is ten more.
29 + 1ten ones makea new ten: 30
After 29 comes 30 because ten ones become a new ten.

You need

  • 100 ice-cream sticks or matchsticks
  • rubber bands
  • a 1–100 chart (draw a 10 × 10 grid)
  • a few coins to cover numbers

Tonight’s 10 minutes

  1. Tip out a big pile of sticks. Instead of counting one by one, bundle tens. Count the bundles, then the loose sticks.
  2. Read numbers as bundles: “4 bundles and 3 loose is 43.”
  3. Cover numbers on the chart with coins and ask your child which number is hiding.
  4. Pick any number and count backwards from it for ten numbers.

Words to use

  • tens
  • ones
  • bundle
  • comes after
  • comes before
  • between

Watch for

  • Not knowing what comes after 29 or 59. Add one stick to 29. Ten loose sticks become a bundle: 30.
  • Reading 61 as 16. Ask “How many bundles?” first. The bundles are always said first.

What it sounds like at home

A short example of the conversation. Your words will differ; the questions are what matter.

YouHow many bundles of ten here?

Your child4.

YouAnd loose sticks?

Your child3.

YouSo the number is…

Your childForty-three.

YouAdd one stick to 49. What happens?

Your childTen loose sticks make a new bundle. 50!

A game for this week: Hundred chart hide

  1. Draw a 1 to 100 chart on paper.
  2. While your child looks away, cover five numbers with coins.
  3. Your child names each hidden number and lifts the coin to check.
  4. Swap roles. Try covering a whole row or column.

A 5-day plan, 10 minutes a day

  1. Day 1Bundle a big pile of sticks into tens.
  2. Day 2Read numbers as bundles and loose sticks.
  3. Day 3Find numbers on a hundred chart.
  4. Day 4Count backwards from any number.
  5. Day 5Hundred chart hide game.

Everyday moments to practise

  • House numbers and flat numbers.
  • Counting money in ₹10 notes and ₹1 coins.
  • Page numbers in a story book.
  • Counting to 100 in tens on a walk.

Quick check

Ask these at the end of the week. Tap to see the answer.

5 tens and 7 ones make?

57.

What comes after 39?

40.

Which number is between 70 and 72?

71.

Ready for the next chapter when your child…

  • Shows any number to 99 with bundles and loose sticks.
  • Knows what comes after 29, 49, 89.
  • Names the number before, after and between.

Activities, wording and illustrations are Mathify Kids’ own, following the topics of NCERT’s Joyful Mathematics (Class 1). See the full Class 1 parent guide for every chapter.

Questions parents ask

How do I teach numbers 21 to 99?

Bundle sticks into tens. A number like 57 is 5 bundles and 7 loose sticks. Once your child sees the pattern, counting to 99 follows.

Why does my child get stuck after 29 or 39?

They have not yet seen that ten ones make a new ten. Add one stick to 29 loose-and-bundled and bundle the ten: that is 30.

My child reads 61 as 16. How can I fix it?

Ask “How many tens?” first every time. Tens are always said first in numbers above 20.