Counting to 20 with Blocks | Kindergarten Math Study and Practice

Counting Groups of Blocks

Counting blocks helps children understand that numbers represent how many objects are in a group. Blocks can be counted one by one to find the total amount.

Counting Examples:

Point to each block while counting aloud up to 5.
Find and count 11 blocks in a scattered group.
Say: “There are 18 blocks in total.”

Teaching Tip

Encourage children to point to each block as they count. The last number they say tells how many blocks are in the group.

Matching Numbers to Groups of Blocks

Matching a number to a group of blocks helps children connect numerals to quantities they can see and count.

Matching Activities:

Show the number 7 and ask children to find seven blocks.
Hold up a card with 15 and count fifteen blocks.
Point to an empty space and say: “This shows 0 blocks.”

Helpful Reminder

Use number cards and block groups to reinforce the connection between written numbers and counted objects.

Counting Blocks in Any Order

Children learn that the order of counting does not affect the total number of blocks. This strengthens their understanding of cardinality.

Order-Independent Counting:

Count 1, 2, 3 blocks starting from the left.
Count the same blocks starting from the right → Total remains 3.
Count a group of 10 blocks in a random order and confirm the total stays the same.

Instructional Tip

Explain that no matter where they start counting, the total number of blocks remains unchanged. Numbers show how many, not position.

Comparing Groups of Blocks

Comparing groups of blocks introduces children to the ideas of more, less, and equal. These comparisons support early math reasoning and problem-solving.

Comparison Examples:

Show 6 blocks and 13 blocks → Ask: “Which group has more?”
Display 10 blocks on each side → Say: “Both groups are equal.”
Place 4 blocks next to 9 → Ask: “Which group has fewer?”

Visual Tip

Arrange block groups side by side to help children visually compare which group is bigger, smaller, or equal in number.

Quick Recognition of Small Block Groups

Subitizing is the ability to instantly recognize small quantities of blocks without counting each one. This skill builds number fluency up to 5.

Subitizing Practice:

Show a group of 2 blocks and ask: “How many do you see?”
Flash an image with 4 blocks → Children respond aloud.
Point to 5 blocks and allow children to recognize them instantly.

Helpful Tip

Start with groups of 1-5 blocks for subitizing activities. For larger numbers, guide children to count each block carefully.

Counting More Blocks through Play

Using play-based activities makes counting larger groups of blocks fun and meaningful. This approach keeps children engaged while practicing number skills.

Playful Counting Ideas:

Block Hunt: “Find 8 blocks hidden in the classroom image.”
Building Task: “Stack 14 blocks to build a tower.”
Counting Song: “Show 20 blocks while singing a counting rhyme.”

Engagement Tip

Include movement and songs during block-counting games to keep children actively involved in learning numbers up to 20.

Effective Strategies for Teaching Block Counting

Successful teaching involves modeling counting, using visuals, and providing hands-on practice. Consistent repetition helps children become fluent counters.

Instructional Strategies:

Use block cards with numbers for guided practice.
Incorporate counting blocks during daily routines, like clean-up time.
Model clear, slow counting while pointing to each block.
Show an empty space and discuss what zero blocks means.
Encourage children to count in pairs or small groups for practice and confidence-building.

Educational Focus

Mastering counting up to 20 using blocks builds strong number sense and prepares children for addition and subtraction concepts.

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