Chainlinks Number 66 Tracing for a Clever Pair of Matching Sixes

Locate 66 on the 61–70 strip

Begin the spoken run at 61. Point to one cell per word until the finger reaches 66 at position 6. Ask whether the child found the box by reading its value, following the numbers in order, or remembering where the shade appeared.

Read 65 one cell earlier than 66. Move right from 66 to the printed 67. Use the chainlinks display to act out a change of one. Invite a child to check the neighboring labels while a partner moves a single item into or out of the counted group.

Draw the number 66 on a slip of paper. Ask a partner to place it directly above the corresponding box, then cover only that box. The listener names 66 after reading one or two uncovered cells from the same short run.

Try the chainlinks count at home

Set out six slips marked TEN and six unbundled links made from broad paper. Match two large 6 cards to the two parts before writing them as a pair.

Have a family partner count the chainlinks display aloud. Let the child check the 60 already grouped, then account for the remaining 6 on a plain sheet. For a second check, turn one ten label over to show what its packet contains.

Make a small 66 label together and put it near the original display. An adult can turn away during the count and return to read the finished sign. Ask the child what information the reader needs to make sense of that sign.

Number 66 Tracing with a clear hand movement

While writing 66, close each 6 separately near the baseline with room between the loops. Use the margin of a separate sheet for a large hand movement. Afterward, choose one of the smaller 66 pairs and keep the unused hand on the paper so the sheet stays steady.

Look at the finished 66 beside the next dotted copy. Pick one visible clue, such as the space after 6 or the height of 6. Ask the child which clue would make a second 66 easier to read. Let them try it once and point to the change.

There are five 66 models in each numeral row. A brief practice might use just one pair on the upper line. Fold a plain strip over the 66 rows below if seeing all the dots makes it difficult to find a starting place.

Work out what the reader needs for 66

Try one prompt from the 66 table. A learner who names sixty-six confidently may need more time only on the written 6 or 6.

Read the large 66 before using a pencil

Hold a chainlinks label beside the largest 66 on the page. Ask the learner to touch 6 and then 6, while a partner reads the whole amount aloud. Let a child who is still learning the number name echo sixty-six after you.

Turn the small 66 card over and ask where 66 can still be found. Have the learner start on the left of the big pair. An adult can slide a plain paper tab along the underside to mark the reading direction without covering either shape.

Six observations for the 66 lesson

Account for the chainlinks count

Break 66 into 60 and 6 and use the groups to explain each digit.

Control both movements in 66

Follow one 66 without rushing from the 6 into the 6.

Connect the written name to 66

Track SIXTY-SIX while saying it. Point back to the digit pair after reading.

Describe a change from 66

Use the two nearby values to check what happens after adding or removing one.

Check a rearranged chainlinks set

Recognize the same 66 when the countable pieces move to another position.

Choose a mark to revisit

Compare a new 66 with the model and describe one part to try again.

Share the 66 check with a partner

Give two counters the same digit card. Ask each to name a different place value on a common mat and then connect both responses to 66.

Ask the group at the chainlinks station to mark the 60 and the 6 in separate areas. The child with the numeral card can point to each area while reading 66. A partner checks the group count before giving any hint about the handwriting.

Use this question during the role change. What would remain if the group kept all six singles but removed one whole bundle? Give the checker time to show an answer with the objects. The recorder can point to 66, or write the result if the check changed the amount.

Choose a small goal for the next 66 visit

Offer the 66 sheet around ages 5–8 to children who are starting to read pairs of digits. The chainlinks game can be done by pointing and speaking when the pencil work feels long. A child who is ready to write can set the amount next to a blank label and copy just one pair.

Give each 66 visit a purpose the child can say aloud. Today it might be finding 66 near its neighbor. A later lesson can return to a difficult stroke or the final part of SIXTY-SIX. The unused lines are there for another visit.

Ask the child to choose a 66 they would keep on the chainlinks display. Let them tell what makes it readable, whether the spacing after 6 or the height of 6. Start the next session from the child's own observation.

Five games to try with the chainlinks count

1. Make a chainlinks inventory card. Sketch the packets for 60 and add 6 dots. Let a new reader identify 66 from the sketch.
2. Spot the covered value. Put a slip on the printed 66. Have a partner read the strip to that point, then uncover 66 to check.
3. Deliver an extra piece. Add one to the chainlinks display and replace 66 with 67. Ask which digit changed this time.
4. Pair a word and a figure. Place SIXTY-SIX near a hand-drawn picture of the chainlinks supplies. Give the learner a choice of numeral cards to match.
5. Repack the chainlinks pieces. Give the group a different-looking arrangement of 66. Ask a second checker to describe how the new arrangement can be counted.

Other ways to prepare for the 66 lesson

Return to smaller figures with the 1–6 dice practice before 66. To plan a different turn for the chainlinks group, choose the pencil-control path worksheet or bring in the introductory 1–10 tracing set and talk about what a numeral reports in that activity.

The chainlinks setting can borrow a turn-taking idea from family play at NAEYC. A PBS KIDS for Parents activity may also give SIXTY-SIX a new use as a sign.

Open and print the 66 PDF

Use the free download to get the original 66 PDF. The member option for SIXTY-SIX provides a clean sheet without the website watermark or ads. Sign into an eligible plan to use it.

In the print dialog, use US Letter portrait for 66. Make a single test copy to see the pale SIXTY-SIX guides and the complete frame. Switch to standard quality if the dotted numeral is too faint.

The $8 collection includes 66 as page 66. Open it from the package card when you want to continue from the chainlinks activity to other numbered sheets through 100.