Skip counting is a foundational math skill that helps young mathematicians develop number sense, recognize patterns, and prepare for more advanced concepts like multiplication and division. For 1st and 2nd graders, mastering skip counting can boost their confidence and make math feel approachable and fun.
Why Skip Counting Matters
Skip counting helps
children:
- Understand number patterns:
Recognizing sequences like 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 helps build a solid foundation
for identifying numerical relationships.
- Build fluency with basic facts:
It’s an essential stepping stone to mastering multiplication and division.
- Improve mental math skills:
Skip counting allows students to add or subtract quickly in their heads.
- Strengthen problem-solving abilities: Recognizing patterns supports logical thinking and problem-solving.
Introducing Skip Counting and Number Sequences
When introducing skip counting in 1st grade, I like to start with the 10s since students are already familiar with counting by 1s. This also helps us when learning place value, by being able to skip count the bundling sticks or Base-10 blocks. After that, I like to move to 5s, and focus on the 5 and 0 pattern, before working on the 2s. Once students have a good grasp of these simple number patterns, I then move onto introducing patterns that start from any number (e.g. counting by 5s but starting from 8) and 2-step patterns. I like to use frames and arrows for this, as students can record on the arrow above the numbers, how much the number has increased or deceased by from the previous number.
Now that we know why it’s
important, let’s dive into some fun, low-prep and low-cost activities and games to make skip
counting practice enjoyable for everyone!
2. Count with Popsicle
Sticks Label popsicle sticks with skip counting numbers
(e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20). Mix them up and challenge students to arrange them in
the correct order. To differentiate, use different colored sticks for different
sequences (e.g., blue for 2s, red for 5s).
3. Skip Counting Songs
Music makes learning memorable! Teach skip counting through simple songs or
chants. There are many engaging skip counting videos on YouTube that you can
use with your class.
4. Skip Counting with
Manipulatives Provide students with small objects like
beads, buttons, or counters. Have them group the items into sets (e.g., groups
of 2, 5, or 10) and count aloud as they place each set on the table. This
hands-on activity reinforces grouping and sequencing.
5. Roll and Skip
Pair students up and give each pair a die. One student rolls the die to
determine the skip count (e.g., if they roll a 3, they count by threes). The
other student writes the sequence on a whiteboard or paper. Then they switch
roles. This game is quick, easy, and adaptable to any skip counting sequence.
6. Mystery Number Line
Draw a number line on the board and mark only some of the numbers in a skip
counting sequence (e.g., mark 10, 20, and 30 but leave the others blank).
Challenge students to fill in the missing numbers. For more of a challenge, try
starting from a random number, like 7, and skip counting from there.
7. Classroom Counting Walk
or Toss Take students on a skip counting walk around the
classroom or playground. Count aloud by 2s, 5s, or 10s as you step. This simple
activity gets kids moving and reinforces number patterns in a natural, engaging
way. Alternatively, have students stand in a circle and toss a ball underarm to
each other. When they toss the ball, they need to say the next number in the
skip counting sequence.
Once students have had plenty of hands-on practice and understand the concept of skip counting, we work towards automaticity and mastery with plenty of small group and independent practice activities during math centers or workstations. Teaching students to recognise number patterns (and not just rote learn the pattern to skip count) is why it’s important to also teach pattern finding, 2-step patterns and using patterns that start from any number.
Task Cards
Task cards are perfect for giving students multiple opportunities to practice identifying and continuing number patterns. Place the cards around the room and have students move around to find and answer them to make a more active way of getting in that practice!
You might also consider poke cards to change things up. With poke cards, students poke their pencil through the hole in the card that they think is the correct answer. A dot or star sticker on the reverse lets them know if they were correct. This is a great teacher timesaver as students can correct their own work!
If you are interested in the printable activities shown in this post, you can find them here in my TpTshop.
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