Let's investigate the curvy and clever number Eight! It's the number of legs on a spider, arms on an octopus, and it looks like a super-fun racetrack. Let's learn all about this infinite number!
Getting to Know the Number 8:
The number eight is a very special and powerful number! It has a wonderfully curvy shape like a racetrack or a snowman, with two perfect circles stacked together. It's one of the most fun numbers to trace—a continuous, flowing line with no beginning and no end, which is why it's also a symbol for 'infinity'. When you see the numeral '8', it represents a large, even group. It’s the number of legs on a spider and the number of arms on an octopus. Understanding 'eight' is a great step in becoming confident with larger numbers.
- The Whizki Learning Team
Seeing the Number 8 in Our World
The number eight is a number of balance and infinity. Representing it in different ways helps your child connect the numeral to the idea of 'two groups of four'. Here are a few ways we can show what 'eight' really means.
The Numeral
This is how we write the number eight. It's a continuous, curvy line that crosses in the middle, like a super-fun racetrack.
The Word
eight [eɪt]
This is how we read the number. The word 'eight' helps us talk about groups of this size, like eight amazing octopus arms.
On a Ten-Frame
Eight dots on a ten-frame show a full row of five, plus three more. This is a powerful visual for understanding '5 + 3'.
With Your Fingers
You can show 'eight' with your hands by holding up all five fingers on one hand, and three fingers on the other.
Practice the Number 8 at Home (No Screens Needed!)
The best learning happens through play. Here are a few simple, screen-free ideas to continue your number 8 adventure together and find this amazing number in your world.
Spider Web Weaving
~1 This is a fantastic fine motor and STEAM activity that connects the number eight to the eight legs of a spider. You'll need a paper plate, a hole punch, yarn, and scissors. An adult can help punch an even number of holes around the edge of the plate. Then, show your child how to weave the yarn from one hole to another across the plate to create a beautiful spiderweb. You can even make a small pom-pom spider with eight pipe-cleaner legs to live in the web. This activity is a wonderful workout for the small muscles in the hands and teaches the basics of weaving and pattern-making.
Octopus Obstacle Course
~2 This is a wonderful gross motor activity that is perfect for getting the wiggles out. It connects the number eight to the eight arms of an octopus. The challenge is to move through a simple obstacle course (crawling under a table, climbing over a pillow) while pretending to be an octopus. This means you have to use your arms and legs in a creative, flowy way. To add a counting element, place eight 'treasures' (like blocks) along the path that the octopus must collect in its 'arms' before reaching the finish line. This game encourages creative, full-body movement and reinforces counting to eight in a very playful way.
Figure-Eight Racetrack
~3 This is a simple activity that helps children practice the motion of writing the number eight. It’s great for fine motor skills and pre-writing practice. You'll need a large piece of paper or a tray with a thin layer of sand or salt. First, draw a large number 8, emphasizing that it's like a racetrack. Then, let your child trace the number with their finger or a toy car. They can 'drive' their car around and around the two loops of the '8'. This repetitive, tactile motion builds the muscle memory needed to write the numeral correctly, all within a fun, imaginative game.
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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At Whizki Learning, we believe in the magic of unplugged learning. It's a chance for kids to build real-world focus, develop their imagination, and strengthen fine motor skills away from distracting screens. We’re a team of parents and educators pouring our hearts into creating beautiful, screen-free workbooks that spark real curiosity and joy. Each one is proudly printed in the USA, because we know quality you can feel makes all the difference in a child's hands.All characters, names and events presented on the site are fictitious, any similarities with events, real people, living or dead, are purely coincidental.
