Give your students the opportunity to become number detectives as they explore different ways numbers can be represented. The Number Detective Cut & Paste worksheets are an engaging and hands-on way for students to practise identifying multiple representations of numbers to 10.

This resource encourages deep thinking and visual analysis as students examine a set of 12 cards on each worksheet. Their goal is to identify six accurate representations of the focus number and paste them in the correct spots. The other six distractor cards must be analysed and ruled out – helping students develop strong number sense and reasoning skills.

Each worksheet focuses on a single number from 1 to 10, making it easy to target specific number goals during your numeracy lessons. Representations may include tens frames, dice patterns, finger combinations, tally marks, number words, numerals, and object collections. This variety supports visual learners and promotes flexibility in how numbers are understood and communicated.

By identifying and working with these multiple formats, students build key numeracy skills including subitising, one-to-one correspondence, and the ability to interpret quantity in a range of contexts. The task structure also supports fine motor development, as students cut and paste with purpose and care.

You can use these worksheets as part of a targeted small group session, independent maths rotation, or a whole class review. They're especially useful for reinforcing early number knowledge, and can easily be paired with concrete materials for hands-on exploration before students complete the worksheet task.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Recognise and match various representations of numbers to 10
• ✅ Develop number sense using visual and concrete representations
• ✅ Practise visual discrimination and fine motor cutting skills
• ✅ Build confidence in identifying correct quantities in multiple forms

What’s Included

• 10 worksheets, each focused on a number from 1 to 10
• Each worksheet includes 12 cards - 6 correct representations and 6 distractors
• Clear student instructions and layout for independent or guided use

Materials Needed

• Printed worksheets
• Scissors and glue sticks
• Pencils or crayons (optional for colouring)

How to Use

1. Select a worksheet based on the number your students are learning or reviewing
2. Students cut out the 12 representation cards on the sheet
3. They analyse each card and identify the 6 that correctly represent the focus number
4. Students glue the correct representations into the worksheet spaces
5. Review completed sheets in small groups or as a class to discuss reasoning

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use as a maths rotation or independent task
• 💡 Set aside as early finisher work for number review
• 💡 Pair students together for collaborative number discussions
• 💡 Use with manipulatives (e.g. counters, tens frames) to confirm representations before gluing
• 💡 Incorporate into assessment folders as part of your number sense evidence

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Print on high-quality paper to support cutting practice
• 💛 Laminate and cut out cards for reusable small group matching activities
• 💛 Use alongside physical ten frames, dice, or fingers posters to scaffold students needing support
• 💛 Encourage students to explain why a card is or isn’t correct to strengthen reasoning

The Number Detective Cut & Paste worksheets are an engaging and hands-on way for students to practise identifying multiple representations of numbers to 10.

You might also like to download the find & colour version of this resource.