Why Do We Count in Twelves?

We count in twelves because it makes grouping and counting things easier, just like how you might group your toys to play better.

Imagine you have a bag of marbles, and you want to know how many there are. If you put them into groups of twelve, it's easier to count the total later, like when you group your blocks to build bigger towers!

• Twelve is a number that can be split in many ways: 2, 3, 4, or 6. That makes it useful for sharing and counting.
• Think of a clock, there are 12 numbers on the face, and we use them to tell time all day long.

You might not always notice it, but twelves are around you. When you count hours, months, or even eggs in a carton, you’re using groups of twelve, just like when you group your toys to make counting faster and more fun!