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The Tally Marks block displays a quantity represented in tally marks. Use it to demonstrate counting, data recording, and the tally mark grouping system. This is a display block for teaching and demonstration since it shows a fixed number of tally marks.
For assessable tally mark activities where learners create or count tallies, use the Tally Marks Question block instead.

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When to use Tally Marks blocks

Tally Marks blocks work well for:
  • Demonstrating the tally mark system (groups of five)
  • Showing quantities in data recording contexts
  • Illustrating counting by fives
  • Providing visual examples alongside explanations
  • Teaching survey and data collection concepts

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Settings

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Display settings

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Initial tally marks
number
default:"5"
The number of tally marks to display (0–100).
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Tally mark size
select
default:"md"
The visual size of the tally marks:
  • Small: Compact tally marks
  • Medium: Standard size
  • Large: Larger tally marks for visibility
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Show amount
switch
default:"true"
When enabled, displays the numeric count alongside the tally marks.

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Tips for teachers and parents

Best practices:
  • Use tally marks to reinforce skip counting by fives
  • Show the numeric amount alongside tallies to connect representations
  • Use larger sizes for younger learners or whole-class display
  • Demonstrate how every fifth mark crosses through the previous four
  • Pair with data collection activities (surveys, observations)
  • Progress to Tally Marks Question blocks once learners understand the system