Let's investigate the special and unique number Seventeen! It's a prime number, which makes it a true individual in the number world. Let's learn about this interesting 'teen' number!
Getting to Know the Number 17:
The number seventeen is a unique and prime number! It's made up of a '1' (representing one full group of ten) and a '7' (representing seven single units). When you see '17', you can think of it as 'one ten and seven more'. What makes seventeen extra special is that it's a 'prime' number. This means it can't be divided into any smaller equal groups (other than one group of seventeen). It’s a true individual! Understanding 'seventeen' helps children become more confident with the higher 'teen' numbers and the patterns within our number system.
- The Whizki Learning Team
Seeing the Number 17 in Our World
The number seventeen is a number of individuality. Representing it in different ways helps your child manage this larger, odd quantity. Here are a few ways we can show what 'seventeen' really means.
The Numeral
This is how we write the number seventeen. A '1' and a '7' working together as a team.
The Word
seventeen [ˌsɛvənˈtiːn]
This is how we read the number. The word 'seventeen' clearly tells us it's a group of 'seven' and 'ten'.
On a Ten-Frame
Seventeen dots require two ten-frames: one completely full frame, and a second frame with seven dots. This is a clear picture of '10 + 7'.
As a Group
A group of seventeen objects is unique because you can't split it into smaller, equal piles. It's a great real-world example of a prime number.
Practice the Number 17 at Home (No Screens Needed!)
The best learning happens through play. Here are a few simple, screen-free ideas to continue your number 17 adventure together and build confidence with bigger numbers.
The 17-Bead Necklace
~1 This is a wonderful fine motor and counting activity. You'll need some string and seventeen beads. The task is to create a beautiful necklace or bracelet using exactly seventeen beads. This simple activity requires your child to carefully count out a larger quantity of objects and then use their fine motor skills to thread them onto the string. You can also incorporate patterns, for example: 'Let's make a pattern with two red beads, then two blue beads, until we get to seventeen!'. The finished product is a lovely piece of jewelry they can feel proud of making themselves.
Seventeen-Step Story
~2 This is a fantastic collaborative storytelling game that practices counting and sequencing. The goal is to create a story together that has exactly seventeen sentences. You start with the first sentence: 'Once upon a time, there was a brave knight...'. Then your child adds the second sentence: '...who lived in a tall castle.' You go back and forth, counting each sentence until you reach seventeen. The final sentence is the grand conclusion to your epic tale! This game is great for creativity, communication, and practicing counting with a larger number in a meaningful, fun context.
The 'Prime' Group Test
~3 This is a great hands-on activity for understanding the concept of prime numbers. You'll need seventeen small objects, like pebbles or blocks. First, count them all to confirm you have seventeen. Then, challenge your child to see if they can divide the seventeen objects into smaller, equal groups. Can you make two equal piles? No. Can you make three equal piles? No. This simple experiment shows them that seventeen is a 'prime' number because it can't be split up. It’s a powerful, concrete way to introduce a key mathematical concept.
A Parent's Guide to Arabic Numerals (0-20)
You're doing a great job exploring the world of numbers! Each number has its own unique story. Use this guide as your adventure map to jump to another number you're curious about, or to see how they all fit together in one big, amazing family.
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