Basic 1 · Mathematics · Counting, Representation and Cardinality
Counting Forwards, Backwards and Skip Counting
In this topic you will count forwards and backwards. You will also count in 2s and in 10s.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Count forwards and backwards between two numbers
- Count in 2s and in 10s up to 100
- Find a missing number in a counting pattern
What you already know
- Counting objects up to 20
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- Number
- Sub-strand
- Counting, Representation and Cardinality
- Indicator
- B1.1.1.1.1 – Use number names counting sequences and how to count to find out “how many?”
Introduction
At assembly, Yaw counts down before the race starts: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, go! That is counting backwards. Today we count in many ways.
1. Counting Forwards and Backwards
Counting forwards means the numbers get bigger.
Counting backwards means the numbers get smaller.
| Forwards | Backwards |
|---|---|
| 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 | 25, 24, 23, 22, 21 |
| 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 | 50, 49, 48, 47, 46 |
2. Counting in 2s
We jump over one number each time.
2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
3. Counting in 10s
10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100
Tip: Bundles of 10 sticks help you count in 10s quickly.
Common mistake: In 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 the 7 is wrong. Counting in 2s skips 7.
New words
- forwards
- Counting so the numbers get bigger.
- backwards
- Counting so the numbers get smaller.
- skip count
- To count by jumping, like in 2s or 10s.
- bundle
- A group of things tied together.
Summary
- Counting forwards makes numbers bigger. Counting backwards makes them smaller.
- Counting in 2s: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.
- Counting in 10s: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50.
Class activity: Bundle Count
- Make bundles of 10 sticks.
- Count the bundles in 10s: 10, 20, 30.
- Stand in a line and count backwards from 20 to 1.
You need: Bottle tops, Bundles of sticks, Locally made number cards
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. What comes next? 10, 20, 30, ___
- A. 31
- B. 35
- C. 40
- D. 50
Show answer
Answer: 40Counting in 10s adds 10 each time.2. What comes next? 2, 4, 6, ___
- A. 7
- B. 8
- C. 9
- D. 10
Show answer
Answer: 8Counting in 2s adds 2 each time.3. 9, 8, 7, 6 is counting backwards.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueThe numbers get smaller.4. 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 is correct counting in 2s.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: False5 should not be there. It is 2, 4, 6, 8.5. 50, 49, 48, ______, 46
Show answer
Answer: 47Counting backwards takes away 1 each time.6. Count in 10s from 10 to 100.
Show answer
Answer: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100Each number is 10 more than the one before.
Homework
- Count backwards from 30 to 1. Write the numbers in your book.