Skip Counting by Twos and Fives

Purpose

To skip-count by twos and fives fluently

Overview

It is often helpful to put counting in context. For example, have children count fingers by fives around the class. Each child will supply two numbers in sequence for their two hands. You can also count by fives around the clock. Keep this practice lively and fast-paced.

You can then have children count all of the eyes in your classroom by having each child add their eyes to the total, counting by twos in round-robin fashion. You may wish to have children estimate before counting.

If you would like to have children count even further by twos, ask them a question like, “How many eyes would 50 children have?” Let them respond and then count by twos as a class as you keep track with tallies on the board. Every now and then, ask, “Have we counted 50 children yet?”

About the sequence

Part 1 has children count by fives around the class or around the clock. Part 2 moves to skip counting by twos. The extension has children predict to find the total number of a larger set (e.g., How many eyes would 30 children have? 50? 100?).

Part 1

Let’s count fingers (or around the clock) by fives! (Once children have practiced in unison, you may want to have each child count in round robin fashion).

5, 10, 15, 20…. 55, 60

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

Part 2

Let’s count how many eyes we have in our classroom by skip-counting by twos! (Once children have practiced in unison, you may want to have each child count in round robin fashion).

2, 4, 6, 8, 10….

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

Extension

Now we’ll predict how many ______ (e.g., fingers, eyes) if we have a larger set.

Example:

How many _________ (fingers, eyes) do we have if we have 20 students?
30 students?
50 students?
100 students?