Skip counting by 10s is a big milestone for children when learning math as it helps them understand number patterns, multiplication, division and so much more.
When children first start learning to skip count by 10s, they do it by rote memorization. Eventually, as you play games together, engage in visualizations and work on activities on a daily basis, children start to understand the meaning behind skip counting and have fun with the process.
Keep in mind that some parents and teachers are opposed to rote memorization but there’s a time and place for it, especially if we’re not forcing it on our children and we’re creating a sense of fun around it with a mix of real life application.
The following strategies will help you teach your kids to skip count by 10s through play using four simple strategies.
Learning Numbers Intervention Steps:
#1. Do Some Cardio
When my son was 4, I taught him to skip count by 10s using this method first.
We held hands and walked up two steps and counted starting at 0 (the base or bottom step), 10 (1st step), 20 (2nd step). We did the same thing going back down. We did would repeated this by belting out the numbers louder and louder for fun.
We went up to the third step, the forth step, and so forth every few days when he was ready.
Try this with your children. They’ll have fun bonding with you.
#2. Play a Game
Take a ball or another object and toss the ball back and forth as you skip count by 10s.
For example, I’d throw the ball and say 0. My son would pass it back to me and say 10. We’d pass the ball back and forth until we got to 100.
#3. Engage with Visuals
Take a 10s cubes and have your children skip count using these. This method is great for children in grade school.
If your children are younger, this method may not work for them. Instead, I like taking what my child is interested in and we line them up to skip count. My son loves cars so we use them for skip counting purposes. What can you use?
This method is important because it moves from rote memorization to truly understanding what skip counting by 10s looks like.
#4. Look at the Chart
Whether your children are younger or older, you can find a 100s chart online for free. Teach your kids to skip count by using this cart. It is a great way for them to see the numbers and recognize the patterns.
Do this step after you’ve worked through the first three steps as this one is not as exciting as the other steps. Entice them with some fun first.
Recap:
Let’s recap really quickly. Today, we looked at the following:
- The importance of teaching children to skip count by 10s.
- How to teach kids to skip count by 10s through play: do some cardio, play a game, engage with visuals, and look at the chart.
Free Resources:
For a taste of the resources that were mentioned in step two, check out the following resource in my FREE Education Resource Library.
Teach your little ones how to make good choices with the following FREE Resource:
Next Steps:
If you found this video beneficial, would you do me a favor? Share this with your family, your friends, your loved ones, your co-workers or someone who you think could benefit from this. Thank you!
I’ll see you next Friday at 5:30pm PST.
Until I see you next time, remember to create, experience & teach from the heart.
Take care,
Charlotte
Disclaimer: I’m a teacher and a parent. I’m not a medical professional, so please don’t take this as medical advice. The advice that I provide in my videos and online are strategies that I have used in my own class or at home that have worked beautifully.
