Read and write Arabic-Indic numerals 0–10 (٠١٢٣٤٥٦٧٨٩)
F1Lesson 7 of 12◇ Core language
Arabic Numbers (0–100) and Basic Numerals
الأرقام العربية من صفر إلى مئة
Arabic Script & Sounds · Script and sound foundations
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Learning Objectives
Focus on these outcomes rather than trying to memorise everything at once.
Count from 0 to 20 in Arabic orally
Read two-digit and three-digit numbers written in Arabic script
Lesson outline
- 8 minStarterRecognise the familiar
- 15 minMain 1Numerals 0–10: read, write, say
- 15 minMain 2Numbers 11–20 orally
- 12 minMain 3Numbers Bingo
- 10 minPlenaryReal-world numbers
Exam connection: This unit builds the script foundation for all subsequent units and all four exam papers. Paper 1 Listening and Paper 2 Reading both require students to process Modern Standard Arabic in script form.
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Vocabulary
Tap each card to reveal the meaning, category and example.
Three-step recall
- Say the Arabic aloud.
- Cover the meaning and recall it.
- Use six items in your own spoken or written sentences.
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Quizzes
Use the two short checks. Errors show you what to revise next.
Quiz 1 — Meaning check
0 / 61. What does ثَلاثَةَ عَشَر mean?
2. What does أَرْبَعَةَ عَشَر mean?
3. What does عَشَرَة mean?
4. What does أَرْبَعَة mean?
5. What does واحِد mean?
6. What does سِتَّة mean?
Quiz 2 — Match Arabic and English
العربية
English
Matched: 0 / 6
Stretch challenge
Choose three matched items and combine them into one accurate sentence or short exchange.
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Grammar
Read the rule, notice the pattern and then produce your own examples.
Core rule / strategy
Arabic numbers are written left to right (unlike the script). Arabic-Indic numerals (٠–٩) are the original numerals — our "Arabic numerals" in the West derive from them. Numbers 11–19 formed from units + 10. Tens: عشرون، ثلاثون etc.
Notice the pattern
- صِفْر
- واحِد
- اِثْنان
- ثَلاثَة
Accuracy checklist
- Check the subject and verb or noun/adjective agreement.
- Check gender, number and tense or time frame.
- Use the lesson structure in a complete, meaningful sentence.
- Read the sentence aloud and correct anything that sounds incomplete.
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Skills Practice
Practise listening, reading, speaking and writing with the same lesson language.
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Listening
Listen twice: first for the main idea, then for details.
اِقرَأْ بِصَوتٍ واضِح: صِفْر، واحِد، اِثْنان، ثَلاثَة، أَرْبَعَة، خَمْسَة، سِتَّة، سَبْعَة، ثَمانِيَة، تِسْعَة. لاحِظِ الشَّكلَ والصَّوتَ واتِّجاهَ الكِتابة.
- What is the main topic?
- Write three Arabic words you recognise.
- What one detail can you hear or infer?
Teacher/partner guidance and possible answer
Read the Arabic text naturally twice. A successful answer identifies the lesson topic, any three accurate key words and one relevant detail from the text.
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Reading
Underline known words before answering.
اِقرَأْ بِصَوتٍ واضِح: صِفْر، واحِد، اِثْنان، ثَلاثَة، أَرْبَعَة، خَمْسَة، سِتَّة، سَبْعَة، ثَمانِيَة، تِسْعَة. لاحِظِ الشَّكلَ والصَّوتَ واتِّجاهَ الكِتابة.
- What is the main topic of the text?
- Find two words or phrases connected with “Arabic Numbers (0–100) and Basic Numerals”.
- What specific detail can you identify?
- Which grammar structure from this lesson appears, or could be added?
Reading support
Start with names, numbers, repeated words, connectors and familiar verb patterns. You do not need to translate every word.
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Speaking
Build your answer, then ask a follow-up question.
- Explain the topic “Arabic Numbers (0–100) and Basic Numerals” in your own words.
- Use at least five items from the vocabulary section.
- Give an opinion or personal example and justify it.
- Ask and answer two follow-up questions with a partner.
Useful frame:في رَأيي... لِأَنَّ... أَيضاً... وَمِن جِهَةٍ أُخرى...
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Writing
Plan, write, check and improve.
Task: Write about Arabic Numbers (0–100) and Basic Numerals. Use at least eight vocabulary items, the lesson grammar and two connectors. Target: 40–60 words.
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Activities
Complete the activities in order, or choose the one that addresses your weakest area.
Starter8 min
Recognise the familiar
Write on board: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 then below: ٠ ١ ٢ ٣ ٤ ٥ ٦ ٧ ٨ ٩. Ask: "Which of these do you recognise?" Most You will know the top row. Explain: the bottom row is where our numbers come from — they were brought to Europe by Arab mathematicians in the Middle Ages. The shapes are different but the values are the same. You immediately feel a connection between Arabic and their own world.
Main 115 min
Numerals 0–10: read, write, say
Study each Arabic-Indic numeral alongside its word. Choral drill: teacher or partner shows numeral, You say word (3 rounds). Then write: teacher or partner says number, Write the Arabic-Indic numeral in books. Do all 10 numerals. Then Look at You how to write them (formation — some are mirror images of what English speakers expect). Write ٠–٩ in order 3 times in books.
Main 215 min
Numbers 11–20 orally
Introduce 11–20 orally only (reading and listening). Study number cards with numerals and words. Drill in order (11–20), then random order. Highlight the pattern: أحد عشر (one-ten), اثنا عشر (two-ten) etc. Note: 13–19 the unit comes first in Arabic (different from English "thirteen"). You practise in pairs: Partner A holds up fingers (11–20), Partner B says the Arabic number.
Main 312 min
Numbers Bingo
Each student has a 3×3 bingo card with Arabic-Indic numerals (٠–٢٠ range). teacher or partner calls a number in Arabic (word form). Identify the numeral and mark it. First to complete a row wins. Play 3 rounds. This reinforces listening comprehension and number recognition simultaneously.
Plenary10 min
Real-world numbers
Look at 4 images: a price tag in an Arabic country (e.g. ١٥ دولار), a football score shown in Arabic numerals, a house number, a phone number. Read the numbers aloud. Discuss: where might you see Arabic numerals in the UK? (Middle Eastern shops, restaurants, websites, Quran publications.) Write today's date in Arabic-Indic numerals in their books as a closing activity.
Useful resources
- Number flashcards (٠–٩)
- Number pronunciation audio
- Bingo cards (teacher-prepared with Arabic-Indic numerals)
- Number line 0–20 display
Stretch / heritage-reader challenge
Heritage readers: write the numbers 1–10 in both word form AND Arabic-Indic numeral form from memory. Then write their age, house number and year of birth using Arabic-Indic numerals.
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Plenary
Finish with a quick check and one clear next step.
Key takeaways
- Read and write Arabic-Indic numerals 0–10 (٠١٢٣٤٥٦٧٨٩)
- Count from 0 to 20 in Arabic orally
- Read two-digit and three-digit numbers written in Arabic script
- Grammar focus: Arabic numbers are written left to right (unlike the script). Arabic-Indic numerals (٠–٩) are the original numerals — our "Arabic numerals" in the West derive from them. Numbers 11–19 formed from units + 10. Tens: عشرون، ثلاثون etc.
Exit ticket
Bingo activity (listening comprehension). Numeral writing in books (teacher or partner spot-check). Real-world number reading in plenary.
Optional follow-up
Write the numbers 1–20 in Arabic (word form) three times. Learn them for a speaking test next lesson. Ask a family member if they know any Arabic numbers.
Confidence check
How secure do you feel after this lesson?
Remember: quick revision works best when you revisit weak vocabulary and correct errors, not when you try to complete everything in one sitting.