There are many ways to teach prime numbers.The method will get your students thinking about the concept.
Step 1: There is a number chart.
You can find these by searching for 100, 200 or 300 number charts.There are a lot of choices.
Step 2: Cross off all multiples of 2 that are greater than 2.
Make sure they don't eliminate 2 but start with 4 then 6 and 8.
Step 3: They should cross off all multiples that are greater than 3.
Start with six, nine, etc.
Step 4: The multiples of 5 greater than 5 should be moved on.
Start with 10.
Step 5: They should cross off all multiples of 7 starting with 14.
Some of them will already be marked off.
Step 6: They should strike out the multiples of 11 and 13 as well.
Your student should be aware that they just canceled the multiples of prime numbers.Depending on the range of your number chart, students may need to cancel out the multiples of consecutive prime numbers.Your student will be able to observe and understand the remaining table.
Step 7: Look at what is left.
When done, all that should be left are prime numbers.Explain that the numbers were crossed off because they have more than one factor pair.A prime number has only one factor pair.
Step 8: Discuss that 0 and 1 are not prime.
They are exceptions.Depending on the grade level of the child, you may want to discuss the more complex definitions listed under the citation part of this article.Mention that younger students are the exceptions.