Counting Backward from 10, 20, and/or 50

Purpose

To practice counting backwards fluently.

Materials

None

Overview

Tell the children to pretend they are launching a spaceship by counting backward as a class from 10 to 0 (to blast off). As children become fluent, try counting backwards from 20 to 0 and then from 50 to 0. You may vary this activity by using a softer and softer voice until silent at 0.

About the sequence

Part 1, backwards counting from 10, is a warm-up. Part 2 moves to starting at 20, while the extension moves to starting at 50.

Part 1

Let’s count backward, starting at 10 and ending at 0.

10, 9, 8…2, 1, 0

If children need more practice or are enjoying their mastery, repeat. If children are ready to move on, go to Part 2.

Part 2

Let’s count backwards, starting at 20 and ending at 0.

20, 19, 18…2, 1, 0

If children need more practice, repeat. Or, when children seem excited for a new challenge, move to the extension.

Extension

Let’s count backwards, starting at 50 and ending at 0.

50, 49, 48…2, 1, 0.