Kindergarten Math Practice - Count Backward from 20 to 0

What Does It Mean to Count Backward?

Counting backward means saying numbers in reverse order as they go down. Children learn to take away 1 with each count. It builds understanding of how numbers decrease and prepares children for subtraction.

Backward Counting Examples:

From 20: “20, 19, 18, 17, 16...”
From 5: “5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0”
From 12: “12, 11, 10, 9...”

Key Idea

Help children understand that counting backward is like stepping down a number line. Each step is one less than before.

Start Anywhere: Counting from Any Number

Children should practice counting down from any number between 0 and 20. This strengthens flexibility and deepens number sense.

Start-Anywhere Examples:

Begin at 17: “17, 16, 15...”
Begin at 9: “9, 8, 7, 6”
Say what comes before 6: Answer is 5

Helpful Hint

Mix up starting numbers during practice to make counting feel less like memorization and more like thinking with numbers.

Using a Number Line to Count Backward

A number line helps children see how numbers decrease when they move to the left. It’s a visual way to understand the meaning of counting backward.

Number Line Activities:

Start at 15 and move one space left each time.
Jump backward from 20 to 0 using a floor number line.
Point to each number while saying it aloud: “10, 9, 8, 7...”

Teaching Tip

Use fingers, counters, or toys to "jump" on the number line. This makes the experience hands-on and easier to remember.

Connecting Counting to Objects

Children learn best when they connect numbers to real things. Backward counting shows how numbers go down as objects are taken away.

Hands-On Examples:

Line up 10 buttons. Take one away each time you count: “10, 9, 8...”
Eat grapes one at a time, saying the number left.
Draw 20 stars and erase one with each count down.

Instructional Tip

Make sure each number is matched with an action. Children should see the number and what it means in real life.

Games and Play for Backward Counting

Games make learning fun. Using movement, music, and stories helps children remember how to count backward without stress.

Playful Practice Ideas:

Play a rocket launch game: count down from 10 to blast off.
Use a timer to count down from 20 before starting a task.
Jump backward with each number from 5 to 0.

Engagement Tip

Use music or rhythm to make counting stick. Clapping, stomping, or dancing to numbers adds excitement and supports memory.

Building Early Subtraction Skills

Backward counting helps children understand what it means to take away. Each number is one less than the last, just like subtracting 1.

Subtraction Readiness Activities:

Say “7” and ask, “What is one less?” Answer: 6
Act out stories: “You had 5 apples and gave away 1. How many are left?”
Match backward counting to number sentences like “10 - 1 = 9”

Reinforcement Strategy

Ask children to explain how they know what number comes next. This builds understanding, not just memorization.