Kindergarten Math - Counting by 5s from 0 to 50 With Sharpeners

Introduction to Counting by 5s

Counting by 5s builds number sense and helps children see patterns in numbers. It prepares students for addition, multiplication, and understanding time and money.

Getting Started:

Chant aloud: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50.
Use a number line to track jumps of 5.
Clap or tap for each number in the sequence to build rhythm.

Instructional Support

Use consistent pacing and body movement (clapping, tapping, stepping) to reinforce each 5-count rhythmically.

Grouping Objects in Sets of 5

Students learn to make groups of 5 with real objects. This helps them connect skip counting with actual quantities and prepares them for understanding multiplication.

Hands-On Grouping:

Give students 25 buttons. Have them sort into 5 equal groups and count: “5, 10, 15, 20, 25.”
Use linking cubes to build stacks of 5. Then count the stacks.
Place 5 stickers in each drawn box and label each total.

Helpful Strategy

Use muffin tins, ice cube trays, or egg cartons with 5 spaces to model groups of 5 clearly and consistently.

Recognizing Multiples of 5

Recognizing numbers like 5, 10, 15, and 20 helps children identify and name quantities quickly. This recognition supports fluency in computation and number patterns.

Recognition Practice:

Show the number “15.” Have students build 3 groups of 5 using counters.
Display 40 stickers arranged in rows of 5. Ask: “How many fives are there?”
Match numbers (5, 10, 15, etc.) with pictures of grouped items.

Visual Support

Create a chart showing multiples of 5 with images—like 5 stars, 10 stars, and so on—to build visual recognition of each step.

Using a Number Line to Count by 5s

Number lines help children visualize equal jumps of 5. They see how each step moves them forward by the same amount, reinforcing the concept of repeated addition.

Number Line Activities:

Mark 0 to 50. Use a marker or toy to jump by 5s: “5, 10, 15…”
Draw arrows showing each jump of 5 between the numbers.
Ask students to circle every fifth number on a printed line from 0 to 50.

Instructional Tip

Emphasize equal spacing. Point out that every jump covers the same distance, which reinforces the idea of counting in groups.

Comparing Multiples of 5

Comparing numbers like 10 and 35 helps children understand which numbers are greater or fewer. They develop number sense using groups of 5.

Comparison Activities:

Show 20 and 45. Ask: “Which number is more?”
Have students build and compare stacks: 2 groups of 5 vs. 9 groups of 5.
Ask: “What number is 10 more than 25?” and model it with groups.

Helpful Question

Ask: “How many more groups of 5 is 40 than 15?” Have students count sets and explain their thinking.

Building Fluency with Skip Counting

Fluency in skip counting means children can count by 5s quickly and with confidence. Daily practice using movement, music, and visuals helps build automaticity.

Fluency Builders:

Use a song that counts by 5s from 0 to 50.
Play “Missing Number” where students fill in the blank: “5, 10, ___, 20…”
Pass a beanbag around the circle. Each student says the next multiple of 5.

Fluency Tip

Celebrate students when they count smoothly. Use charts and anchor visuals to help those who need more support.