Kindergarten Math: Counting by 5s from 0 to 50 | Study and Practice Activities

Understanding Skip Counting by 5s

Skip counting by 5s means counting forward in steps of 5. This builds a foundation for understanding patterns, grouping, addition, and multiplication.

Example:

Chant: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50.
Use a finger or pointer to tap each number on a chart as you count aloud.
Highlight how each number ends in 0 or 5 to show a pattern.

Instructional Tip

Use hand motions or rhythm (like clapping) to help students feel the steady pattern of skip counting.

Making and Counting Groups of 5

Creating equal groups of 5 helps students connect number patterns with physical quantities. It also prepares them for multiplication concepts later.

Example Activities:

Give students 20 counters and have them make 4 groups of 5. Count together: “5, 10, 15, 20.”
Use cup holders or muffin tins to group objects into 5 slots.
Draw 5 objects in each box and write the total under each one.

Helpful Strategy

Have students say the total after each group to reinforce skip counting and total number understanding.

Recognizing Multiples of 5

Recognizing numbers that appear in skip counting by 5s helps students develop fluency and identify numeric patterns quickly.

Recognition Practice:

Show the number 10. Ask: “Is this a multiple of 5?”
Use stickers or tokens grouped in 5s. Ask students to match numbers to the quantity.
Use flashcards to identify whether a number is part of the 5s counting pattern.

Visual Support

Create a chart that displays only multiples of 5. Add pictures (stars, dots, hands) to help visual learners identify patterns.

Using a Number Line to Count by 5s

Number lines help children see the distance between numbers and understand how skip counting by 5 moves forward in equal steps.

Number Line Ideas:

Mark numbers from 0 to 50. Jump every 5 spaces and say each number aloud.
Draw curved arrows to show each jump and emphasize equal spacing.
Let students move a toy along the line, stopping on each multiple of 5.

Helpful Hint

Model how each jump of 5 lands on a number ending in 0 or 5. Reinforce that the jump size stays the same each time.

Comparing Multiples of 5

Comparing numbers in the 5s sequence supports number sense. Children learn which quantities are greater or fewer and how many groups make up a total.

Comparison Practice:

Ask: “Which is more: 15 or 30?” Use groups or a number line to explain.
Compare towers: 3 stacks of 5 cubes vs. 6 stacks of 5 cubes.
Challenge: “How many more is 50 than 20?” Let students count by 5s to find the difference.

Supportive Question

Use prompts like “How many more groups of 5?” to help students think in sets and make comparisons visually.

Building Fluency Through Practice

Fluency means counting by 5s smoothly and accurately. Repetition through songs, games, and active practice builds confidence and automatic recall.

Fluency Games:

Play “Count and Pass”—each student says the next multiple of 5 when passing a ball.
Sing skip counting songs that include movement or visual support.
Use flashcards with missing numbers and ask students to fill in the blanks.

Fluency Reminder

Celebrate accuracy and speed. Use anchor charts and repeat practice daily to build mastery in a fun and supportive way.