10 Simple Ways to Practice Counting On

Sometimes the kids come home from school way too tired to want to do anything, especially a learning game.

And, who can blame them? School is a lot of work!

If you’re like me, you’re looking for some simple ideas. Ideas that you can do in five minutes that won’t make the kids feel even more tired than they already are.

Here are ten super simple ideas to practice the math concept of counting on. You can do them on the walk home from school, at snack time, or even in the car. These ideas couldn’t be easier or more fun.

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What is counting on?

Counting on is a simple skill, but also an essential skill.

Simply put, it’s starting at any number other than one and counting from that point.

Your child will start working on this in kindergarten (and often even earlier). It’s such a useful tool and sets the foundation for addition and subtraction.

If you want to learn more, you can get a more detailed explanation here at Math Homework 101: Counting On.

Simple ways to practice counting on

#1 Use math manipulatives such as pennies, mini erasers, pompoms, rocks, etc. Start with a small pile, such as 4 pennies, and ask your child to continue counting the pennies from that point.

#2 Chant or sing. Use the tune of a simple song, like the Alphabet Song or Row, Row, Row Your Boat, and sing your numbers. How far can you get before the song ends?

#3 Go on a walk and count your steps. Start at the number 11 and keep counting. Call out a random number at different parts of the walk and continue counting from there.

#4 Use playing cards. Simply draw a card and start counting from there or grab some dice to play Counting On: the Card Game, an easy math game from Creative Family Fun.

More fun and simple ways to practice counting on

#5 Practice with a hundred chart. This is a great tool to use when you’re introducing the concept of counting on. Grab a hundred chart (you can find one on this post), pick a random number, and use the chart to help you count.

#6 Count your toys. Grab some LEGOs, toy cars, or any other small toys. Start with a random number and count your toys from that point.

#7 Use dice. Grab a pair of dice and throw them. Count up the total number of dots, and then start from that number to practice counting on. You can play this over and over again!

#8 Count in the car. This is perfect for a busy day. Tell your child to start with the number five and count all the cars they see or they can start with the number 12 and count the mailboxes you drive post. This is a great way to practice math while your driving to and from an after school activity.

#9 Practice on a nature walk. Get out and enjoy nature while your practice counting on. Check out Creative Family Fun for some ideas to practice counting on in nature.

#10 Count your snack. Sneak in a little bit of math practice at snack time and count your Goldfish, pretzels, or even apple slices.

It’s so easy to practice counting on at home.

You don’t need to prep an activity or buy any special supplies. You just need to sneak in a few seconds of learning.

So grab a snack or go on a walk and start counting.

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You may also like one of these fun math ideas:

Kindergarten Math: Counting to 100

One Fish Two Fish Number Match

Wacky Mixed-Up Hundred Chart

Driveway Hundred Chart at Creative Family Fun