Counting numbers to 20 doesn’t sound like a complicated skill however, there are several components to this essential skill. Students need to be able to orally count, identify, write, and represent numbers in addition to counting objects. We need to build a strong number sense foundation for students to succeed with more complicated math skills.
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- 🧠💪Research shows a link between a growth mindset and math success. Kids with a growth mindset about their abilities perform better and are more engaged in the classroom.
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Get this Freebie of 71 Math Number Puzzles delivered to your inbox to use with your students. Providing opportunities to do math puzzles daily is one way to help students develop their number sense. You can also sign up for other freebies from me Here at Easternshoremathteacher.com.
I spend a lot of time in the primary grades because a strong sense of numbers is essential for students to be successful in the older grades. If students do not know their numbers, how can they add and subtract them? Sometimes, it is hard to understand what is expected at each grade level and all the components of counting and cardinality. Here is a breakdown of the preschool and kindergarten counting and cardinality standards and activities to help develop those skills.
What is Number Sense in Mathematics?
Number sense refers to understanding number concepts, operations, and applications of numbers and operations.
Children with good number sense enjoy playing with and exploring numbers. Counting, putting numbers together, and taking them apart (composing and decomposing numbers) help students become flexible in their thinking.
Counting to 100
Preschool Counting Standards:
What number should a Preschooler be able to count to? They need to be able to count to 20.
- Know number names and the count sequence
- Count to 20. (Oral Counting)
- Represent a number of objects with a written numeral 0 – 5 (with 0 representing no objects).
- Count to Tell the Number of Objects
- Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities to 10
- When counting objects, say the number names in the standard order, pairing each object with only one number name and each number name with only one object. (One-to-One Correspondence)
- Understand that the last number name said tells the number of objects counted.
- The number of objects is the same regardless of their arrangement or order in which they were counted.
- Understand that each successive number name refers to a quantity that is one larger.
- Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities to 10
- Count to answer “how many?” questions about as many as 10 things arranged in a line, a rectangular array, a circle, or as many as 5 items in a scattered configuration; given a number from 1 – 10, count out that many objects.
Kindergarten Counting Standards:
What number should a kindergarten be able to count to? They should be able to count to 100.
- Know number names and the count sequence.
- Count to 100 (Oral Counting)
- Write numbers from 0 to 20. Represent a number of objects with a written numeral 0-20 (with 0 representing no objects).
- Count to tell the number of objects.
- When counting objects, say the number names in the standard order, pairing each object with one number name and each number name with only one object. (One-to-One Correspondence)
- Understand that the last number name said tells the number of objects counted. The number of things is the same regardless of their arrangement or the order in which they were counted.
- Understand that each successive number name refers to a quantity that is one larger.
Counting to 20 Kindergarten:
Count to answer “how many?” questions about as many as 20 things arranged in a line, a rectangular array, a circle, or as many as 10 things in a scattered configuration; given a number from 1-20, count out that many objects.
Preschool Counting Activities
Counting Numbers to 20
Students begin by counting by ones. They start with a limited range of numbers and increase until they can count to 20. As students begin to count fluently, introduce the numeral representations for each number name. Give students opportunities to match the numeral with the number name. (5= “five”)
Use a variety of nursery rhymes, books, and songs to help students associate number sequences with situations that are already familiar to them.
Taking opportunities to count throughout the day- sitting in the car, walking somewhere, or as a movement break with songs helps develop this skill. They are eventually showing the numbers as they count.
Counting Objects to 10
Say the number name in order as they point to each object. Some students may find it helpful to move the objects as they count. Start by counting objects in a straight line, then proceed to organized representations (arrays, circles) and randomly arranged objects.
Provide opportunities for students to count objects such as buttons, counters, shells, and dot cards. Ask students to count objects, beginning with a smaller number of items and increasing as students count accurately.
Use five frames to model lining up objects and help students begin to see patterns that make 5. Then, as students are ready, represent numbers on a ten frame.
Ask.” How many are there?” to reinforce that the last number tells the number of objects. Finally, count on to the original number of items by adding one item.
Represent the Number
Given a number 1-10, count out that many objects to represent the number. They should match a numeral card with the number of items and count out that many objects given the written numeral.
Given a drawing of items, they should circle a number of items and write the numeral. In addition, they should be able to draw a given number of items.
Show the Number
Are you looking for a counting objects worksheet? These 480 Google slides have students show the number on a ten frame. There are 120 slides for each season X 4 seasons = 480 slides. Students count and drag the counters to represent numbers on the ten frame. These slides have students practice numbers to 20. These can be printed and used as a counting mat.
Number Sense Kindergarten Activities
Counting to 100 (Oral)
Students begin by counting by ones. They start with a limited range of numbers and increase until they can count to 100. Then, they begin to match the number name with the numeral.
They play games and complete activities using numeral cards and parts of the hundreds chart to connect numerals with number names.
Once students can count to a given number, use a section of the hundreds chart to help them recognize the numerals that represent these numbers. Use matching games and activities to help students connect the number name with the numeral.
Counting Objects to 20
Continue to provide opportunities for students to count objects in organized and randomly arranged objects. Students should be able to count up to 20 objects in Kindergarten.
Counting to 20 Kindergarten Worksheets
How Many Counting Worksheets and Slides
There are 30 counting Google Slides that have students count the objects in the picture and 18 counting to 20 worksheets. Students count and represent the amount up to 10, then up to 20.
Show the Number and Counting Objects in an Image
Provide opportunities for students to count out a certain number of objects up to 20. Then, ask students to match numerals with the number of items in the set they have counted. In addition, give students a numeral card and ask them to read the number, then count out that many items to represent the number.
Represent a Number
These Numbers to 20 activities have ten frames, matching cards, worksheets, and games for all the seasons. Are you looking for teen number worksheets to practice counting, representing numbers on a ten frame, and identifying numbers? Here are ready-made slides and with seasonal ten frames and counters.
3 Alternatives to a Counting Worksheet
Subitizing: What Does Subitize Mean & Resources For All Seasons
What does Subitize Mean? It’s the ability to instantly recognize “how many” in a set of objects without counting them. For example, when someone holds up 3 fingers, you don’t have to count them. Read more What’s The Best Definition of Subitizing Plus Proven Ways to Teach It? Subitize to 10 with these quick and easy digital slides and printables.
Songs for Counting 20
Having students move and count is a great way to incorporate movement and counting. You can have students make up their movements or use these counting to 10, counting to 20, and counting to 100 songs below:
- Jack Hartmann Count to 20
- The Counting Song
- Let’s Get Fit- Counting to 100
- Sesame Street Counting to 20
Count Objects in a Picture Digital Activities
Students love to use technology to learn; it is more engaging with colorful pictures and movable pieces. It is also easier for teachers to incorporate as a warm-up, small group, whole group, or independent practice. Then, just download the files, and students are ready to start counting.
Here are some great resources:
- Count Objects in a Picture to 20- Spring Freebie
- Count Objects in a Picture to 20- Winter Freebie
- Counting 20: In each set, there are 30 Slides for students to count objects in a picture. 8 slides use numbers 1-5, 16 slides use numbers 6-10, and 5 slides for teen numbers in ten frames.
Counting Everyday Objects
We don’t need to spend hours developing different activities for students to practice counting. Instead, find objects around your house or at the dollar store to count. I love to use small erasers, toys, and craft materials to count.
Give students a number and ask them to count out that many erasers, or give them some pom-poms and have them count how many they have. These counting activities can easily be differentiated depending on the learner.
Related Articles and Blog Posts
- 10 Must-Have Counting Books
- What Children Know and Need to Learn About Counting
- Top 3 Easy and Successful Alternatives to a Counting Worksheet
- What are Number Talks and Why are they Useful in the Primary Classroom?
- 5 Nifty Math Activities for a Terrific First Day of Kindergarten
- 3 Easy Tips for Awesome Math Talks in the Primary Classroom
How to Use Counting Number Worksheets?
Focusing on number sense in the younger grades helps build the foundation to compute and solve more complex problems in older grades. Creating a love for math in your children begins with understanding numbers.
Students should be able to count orally, count physical objects, and then count objects in a picture. By displaying pictures, you can have students count different objects and then represent the number counted with a numeral.
- ☀Download this BONUS Guide with everything you need to cultivate a positive classroom community.
- ➕Includes definitions, lesson ideas, mindset surveys for students and teachers, and printable posters.
- 🧠💪Research shows a link between a growth mindset and math success. Kids with a growth mindset about their abilities perform better and are more engaged in the classroom.
- 👉Includes everything you need to start cultivating a more positive math classroom and students who love math. Download and get started today! Click here to download the Mindset Guide & Survey.
These skills can easily be done with students with little or no materials. Children can begin counting aloud and then counting objects at a very early age. Begin with counting to 5, and then move to counting numbers to 20.
