How to improve your child’s skip counting
Download these number charts, then print, laminate and put them on your fridge.
1 First, check that your child can SAY the numbers 0 to 50 in order forwards, and the numbers 20 to 0 in order backwards. Do this by taking turns to say each number without using the number chart. If he can do this, he’s ready to skip count.
2 Start working on skip counting by 2s from 0 using the chart and some manipulatives such as pegs, counters, toothpicks, pasta shells or anything you have to hand. Take turns to say 0, 2, 4, 6 etc, making the amount each time with the manipulatives and circling the number on the chart using a non-permanent marker.
3 In the same way, take turns to skip count by 2s starting from 1. (1, 3, 5, 7 etc)
4 Skip count by 2s backwards from 20 to 0, and then 19 to 0.
5 Write a starting number for any of these patterns in the correct place on the blank grid using a non-permanent marker. Ask him to fill in the rest of the pattern by himself.
6 Help him practice saying, reading, making and writing the numbers forwards and backwards.
7 Ask if he notices anything about the numbers. When he sees (by himself) that the last digit repeats as part of a pattern, it’s time to move on to skip count by 5s and 10s, starting from 0.
When he is confident with 2s, 5s and 10s like this, it’s time to expand by varying the starting number.
Skip count by 5s starting from 1
Skip count by 10s starting from 1
Remember to go forwards and backwards, saying, reading, making the amounts and writing.
By doing this you are building up a thorough understanding of skip counting. This is invaluable, not only as a solid basis for seeing patterns in number but also as a precursor to understanding multiplication facts and times tables.
