Counting forward to 10

Students learn to count forward to 10.

General

Studente learn to count forward from 1 to 10. They know which number comes next from 1 to 10.

Common core standard(s)

-K.CC.A.1

Relevance

Discuss with students that it is important to be able to count to 10, because you use the numbers to 10 to learn how to calculate.

Introduction

Give each group a set of number cards with the numbers 1 to 10. By turns, the students turn over one of the number cards. They must show it to the other students and say which number it is out loud.

Development

Show the number sequence from 1 to 10 and discuss with students that this order does not change. You start at the 1 and count to the right. Each number counts on to the following number. Then count from 1 to 10 while clearly walking forward and showing the number cards. Then ask students to count forward from 1 to 10 while taking steps forward. Finally ask students to only take the steps forward, counting in their heads rather than out loud. The students write the numbers while stepping. Practice completing a number sequence as a class. Ask students to write the missing numbers on a sheet of paper (or mini whiteboard) and to hold them up to check their work.

Check that students are able to count to 10 by asking the following questions:
- How do you count forward?
- Which number comes after 4?
- Which number comes after 7?

Guided practice

Students are given questions in which they must complete the number sequence. They are also asked to count forward, and also are asked to fill in multiple numbers from the number sequence. They are given visual support in counting.

Closing

Discuss with students that it is important to be able to count to 10, as you will need this skill to be able to calculate in the future. Check that they are able to count to 10. Give each group of students a set of number cards. Have the students set the cards in order from 1 to 10. By turns, have one student take away one number. Their group members must say which number is missing. If they are correct, the student returns the number card to the sequence and the next student takes their turn.

Teaching tips

Students who have difficulty counting to 10, likely are not comfortable yet with the number sequence to 10. Practice counting the numbers one by one, and using aids like flashcards can help students link the names and visuals of the number.

Instruction materials

Number cards in sets from 1 to 10