Counting Up and Down – Elementary Math

Purpose

To count fluently forwards and backwards up to 20, 30, and/or 50.

Overview

Have children count in unison up to 20 or 30. Then challenge the class to count backward in unison to zero. If children struggle with this task, provide them with a visual cue, such as a number line or a yardstick. If the task seems easy for children, you might have them count in round robin fashion, with each child saying the number that comes after the one named by the previous child.

About the sequence

Part 1 focuses on counting to 20. Part 2 moves to counting to 30. The extension continues counting to 50.

Part 1

Count to 20, saying one number each second and no faster.

(You might have children count in round-robin fashion, with each child saying the number that comes after the one named by the previous child).

While children are enjoying their building of mastery, feel free to repeat. When children are eager for more, try Part 2.

Part 2

Count to 20, saying one number each second and no faster.

(You might have children count in round-robin fashion, with each child saying the number that comes after the one named by the previous child).

As always, when children seem excited for a new challenge, move on.

Extension

Count to 50, saying one number each second and no faster.

(You might have children count in round-robin fashion, with each child saying the number that comes after the one named by the previous child).