I recently shared a few of our favorite prime and composite number activities on Instagram, and I wanted to give you a closer look at how we used them during math time.
Prime and composite numbers can be tricky at first because students are really working with several connected ideas at once: factors, multiples, and number classification.
To help reinforce the concept, we glued two helpful tools into an interactive math notebook:
- A Multiples Bookmark for quick reference during lessons
- A Prime and Composite Numbers Chart to use while working through practice problems
These visuals make it easier for students to see the connections between multiplication facts, factors, and prime and composite numbers.
Grab the Freebie
Prime, Composite, Factors & Multiples
A good place to start is with factors.
A prime number has exactly 2 factors: 1 and itself.
A composite number has more than 2 factors.
The number 1 is neither prime nor composite because it only has one factor.
For example:
7 has the factors 1 and 7, so it is prime.
12 has the factors 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12, so it is composite.
Having students find and list factor pairs gives them a way to determine why a number is prime or composite instead of simply memorizing a list of prime numbers.
Small Group Support Tip
If your students need extra support with this skill, try placing the reference charts inside sheet protectors and reusing them during small group instruction. They’re especially helpful for:
- Math intervention groups
- Guided math rotations
- Quick refreshers before practice problems
Students can use dry-erase markers to find multiples, list factor pairs, and identify prime and composite numbers.
- Download the printable charts below to start using them with your students:
Extend the Learning with Interactive Google Slides
If you’re looking for digital ways to reinforce these skills, I have three interactive Google Slides resources that pair perfectly with the printable activities above. These are ideal for independent practice, math centers, or virtual learning days.
Prime & Composite Numbers – 25 Slides
Students explore prime vs. composite numbers by creating arrays, listing factor pairs, and answering questions that encourage reasoning. This resource helps build a solid foundation in number classification.
Great for reviewing what it means to be prime or composite!
Finding Multiples – 28 Slides
This resource focuses on identifying multiples using multiplication charts and number patterns. Students decide if a number is a multiple of another and explore how multiples connect to skip counting and times tables.
A must-have for fluency and divisibility review.
Finding Factors – 31 Slides
Students use arrays, repeated addition, and visuals to uncover factor pairs and build number sense. Perfect for students who need extra support understanding how numbers are built from smaller parts.
Interactive and engaging!
Each set is designed for Grade 4 but can also be used for review in Grade 5 or enrichment in Grade 3.
Good Morning,
I would love to print off the free multiples bookmarks for my students. I have submitted my email twice but have not received a link. I checked my Junk mail as well. Not sure what I should do next….
thank you!
Diana
SAME!!!
This would be even better if it went up to 12! But thank you so much for this freebie!!! Its great!
Hello! I would love to download the multiples bookmarks. I can’t find the link and I can’t find these in the free resource library. Thanks you.
Sorry about that! The form is now viewable at the end of this blog post.
Do you have a link for downloading the resource for the multiples bookmark?
Sorry about that! The form is now viewable at the end of this blog post.
Can you help me find your prime and composite resources that you created?
Sorry to bother you – love the concept, but even when I put in my email address (a few times) I haven’t received the download. I know you said the link is at the bottom of the blog, but I could not locate that either (my apologies).
Thank you so much! I am not a math teacher but I am helping my ESL student. Great material. I will share it with the math teachers at my schools.