Kindergarten Math - Counting by 10s from 0 to 50 With Cupcakes

Introduction to Counting by 10s

Counting by 10s helps children build number patterns and recognize groups of ten. This foundational skill prepares them for future math concepts like place value and addition.

Counting by 10s Activities:

Chant the numbers aloud: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50.
Use fingers or clap for each number while skip counting.
Post number cards in order and have students point to each as they count.

Teaching Tip

Start with a number line showing only multiples of 10. Repetition and rhythm help students internalize the pattern.

Grouping Objects in Sets of 10

Children learn to see that 10 small items can form one group. Making equal groups of 10 builds understanding of what each number in the sequence represents.

Hands-On Grouping:

Give students 30 counters. Ask them to make groups of 10 and count: “10, 20, 30.”
Sort blocks into bins labeled 10, 20, 30, 40, 50.
Draw circles on paper. Place 10 stickers in each and count each set together.

Helpful Strategy

Use ten-frames or egg cartons with 10 spaces to visually show complete groups of 10.

Recognizing Multiples of 10

Recognizing 10, 20, 30, and so on helps students quickly name quantities without counting one by one. This strengthens memory and fluency in counting.

Recognition Practice:

Flash a card showing “40” and have students build 4 groups of 10 blocks.
Display 50 objects. Ask students how many groups of 10 they see.
Match each numeral (10, 20, 30, etc.) to a picture of grouped items.

Visual Support

Keep a chart posted with pictures showing 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 in visual groups to reinforce the pattern.

Using a Number Line to Count by 10s

Number lines help students visualize how we move from one multiple of 10 to the next. Jumping in equal steps builds confidence in patterns.

Number Line Practice:

Mark 0 to 50 on a large number line. Jump by 10s together: “Start at 0, now jump to 10, 20, 30…”
Use toy cars or animals to "jump" along the number line from 0 to 50 in 10s.
Draw arrows showing jumps of 10 on paper number lines.

Instructional Focus

Emphasize equal spacing. Reinforce that each jump represents one full group of 10.

Comparing Multiples of 10

Comparing numbers like 10 and 40 helps children understand quantity relationships in tens. They begin to see which is more, fewer, or the same.

Comparison Practice:

Show 20 and 50. Ask: “Which number is more?”
Have students build 2 groups of 10 and 5 groups of 10. Compare visually.
Say a number like 30. Ask students to name a number that is more or fewer by 10.

Helpful Question

Ask: “How many more tens is 50 than 20?” Let students count groups or use fingers to find the difference.

Building Fluency with Skip Counting

Fluency means counting by 10s smoothly and automatically. Students should count aloud, write numbers in order, and use real objects for daily practice.

Fluency Builders:

Use a “count by 10s” song during transitions or morning meetings.
Fill in missing numbers on a 0–50 skip-counting chart.
Play games where students pass a ball and say the next number in the 10s pattern.

Fluency Tip

Practice short sessions daily. Praise students for smooth, rhythmic counting without needing to stop and think.