Skip Counting

   Hello Teachers!

Counting by 2s, 5s, 10s or 100s also known as skip counting is an essential Math skill to teach young children. Skip counting is simply counting by the same number (other than 1) again and again.  Skip counting helps students with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. 

 

Skip counting increases number recognition, number sense and seeing number patterns.  At risk students, ELs and special education students all benefit from having a firm foundation in these Math areas. 

 

If you have English Learners (ELs) in your classroom skip counting is a great way to work on articulation.  Make sure your ELs are pronouncing the numbers correctly.  Many times the number three is incorrectly pronounced as ‘tree’.  This is the time to make sure that gets corrected! 

 

Teaching skip counting to students is easy.

 

Explain that skip counting is when you add the same number over and over.

 

Start by having students use a number line.  Students choose a number and then add 2 to that number and circle the answer.  Have students add 2 to the answer and repeat.  Students get a visual hands-on model of counting by 2s.

 

Skip count by 2s, 5s, 10,s your way through transitions.  When lining up for recess or lunch encourage students to join you while you count by 2s.  This is great for practicing skip counting and creating a sense of urgency to save on transition time.

 

Another fun game to play whole class is ‘Let’s count by’.  Teacher decides on a number to count by. Then the teacher calls out a number and the class responds with the next number. 

Teacher says:  Let’s count by 2

Teacher says: 4

Students say:  6

 

During distance learning send flipbooks home or have families print them off.  Flipbooks are a super fun way to keep students practicing at home.  During online class time you explain the rationale of skip counting and model on line how to put the books together. Students make their skip count books with you and share their books later with the whole family.

 

Skip counting flipbooks are great hands-on Math games and activities for kindergarten, first grade and second grade students.  These engaging books work well in math stations, centers, rotations, review, test prep, early or fast finisher activities and more.   Use them with Kinder, 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd  grade elementary students. With easy differentiated options, they fit a variety of learners. The critical thinking work for enrichment, GATE, or worksheet alternatives for individual kids, small groups or partners.  Great for ELD and ESL.   

 

If you would like to try our free skip counting by 2s flipbook you can grab yours today here! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Skip-Counting-By-2-Flip-book-1361620

 

 

 

Let us know which games and activities you use when teaching students to skip count!