Counting On

 


Many children learn to recite their numbers, counting from 1 to 10 quickly, but get stuck if you ask them to count up from anything other than "one." But counting on is a very valuable skill at this stage as it will help children to move on to higher numbers and simple addition, and as adults we often use counting on for quick mental maths. This is a good time to learn the skill.

The Concept

Your child should be able to count on from any number. "Count on from 4" means they count 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 9, 10. If you call out a number from 1 to 9, your child should be able to tell you the number after it.

Counting On Every Day

  • Use ten towers - either numbered (for beginners) or blank. You will find a variety of ten towers (and ten frames) below. Ask your child to put a number of counters or other objects onto the ten tower (you could roll a dice to choose the number or pick on one of our Number Cards). Now put a finger on the last counter and count on up to 10. Practice with all the numbers up to 9.
  • Play Snap Challenge. At any time - in the car, out walking, in the bath, during a meal, surprise your child by saying "Snap Challenge! Count on from xx". Your child must answer as quickly as possible. Encourage your child to Snap Challenge you, too.
  • Play with cards. Use a set of our Number Cards. Place them face down on the table and shuffle them around. Take turns flipping a card over and counting on up to 10 from whatever number shows.
  • Number lines are ideal for learning to count on, and we have a great collection here at Activity Village - starting with simple 0-10 and 1-10 number lines that are perfect for this stage. Start by pointing at a number - touching it on the number line or putting a small object on it - and then hopping along the following numbers. We've included our most appropriate Number Lines in the Resources section below.
  • Worksheets: You will find our collection of worksheets below.

Our Resources

African Animals Number Line 0-10

African Animals Number Line 0-10

This African animals number line is such a fun way to cheer up tables and desks in the classroom. Just slice (and laminate if you wish) and get counting...

Birds Number Line 0-10

Birds Number Line 0-10

Learn to count with the help of our cute penguin, robin and owl! Slice these number lines up and laminate if you wish.

Count on Worksheet 1

Count on Worksheet 1

This is a guided printable that you can do with your child when practising counted on. I suggest you put a finger on the circled number and then count from that number up to 10, moving your finger over the numbers as you go.

Count On Worksheet 2

Count On Worksheet 2

This worksheet gives children practice at counting on from a number up to 10, asking them to fill in the missing numbers as you go. Perhaps they could colour in the circled number, too.

Counting Cubes Towers of Ten

Counting Cubes Towers of Ten

When you need a manipulative but don't have any to hand, these "paper" versions might be useful - and they are also great for cutting and pasting onto home-made posters and displays.

Farm Animals Number Line 0-10

Farm Animals Number Line 0-10

Who could resist a little counting practice when they are helped along with our pig, cow and sheep! These number lines have been designed to be extra quick to print, slice and use. Laminate for wearability if you wish.

Minibeasts Number Line 0-10

Minibeasts Number Line 0-10

Help the kids learn to count with these extra cute minibeast number lines! We have an ant, bee and beetle to help them along...

Missing Numbers Worksheet Set 1

Missing Numbers Worksheet Set 1

Help Fred the friendly dog learn to count up to 10, and count on, by filling in the missing numbers on this fun set of 4 worksheets.

Number Line 0-10 - Bees

Number Line 0-10 - Bees

These colourful number lines come with blue edges and cheerful bees to help the kids along. Just slice along the dotted lines to divide them up.

Number Line 0-10 - Kids

Number Line 0-10 - Kids

Cheerful children will encourage your kids to practise their counting skills on these cute number line printables...

Number Line 0-10 - Stars

Number Line 0-10 - Stars

Cheer up the desks or tables with these colourful number lines for little kids, complete with stars!

Sea creatures number line 0-10

Sea Creatures Number Line 0-10

Here are three easy-to-print number lines for early learning, with numbers 0 to 10 and some very cute sea creatures to help the kids learn to count!

Ten Towers 0 to 10

Ten Towers 0 to 10

This useful Ten Towers printable can be used for counting practice or for display. Cut the "ten towers" apart (and laminate each one individually if you wish).

Ten Towers for Counting On and Counting Back

Ten Towers for Counting On and Counting Back

Print and cut out this set of 10 Ten Towers, on which we've highlighted the numbers in sequence. Pick up up and put your finger on the highlighted number, then show your child how to count on from that number, and count back from that number.

Ten Towers Numbered Black and White

Ten Towers Numbered Black and White

These simple black and white Ten Towers can help with counting activities, number bonds to 10, first addition, counting on and so on. Choose from 4 versions: with UK and US school fonts, and numbered up and down from 10.

Ten Towers Numbered Colour

Ten Towers Numbered Colour

Here are some colour versions of our Ten Towers, numbered both up and down from 10. Print and cut out 4 different towers to make counting colourful and fun. Choose from UK or US school fonts too.

Traffic Jam Number Line

Traffic Jam Number Line

Print out our traffic jam number line and leave it as it is to make a set of simple posters, or cut out the bright, simple cars and create a number line.

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