Kindergarten Math Study and Practice - Counting Numbers Up to 20

Counting Up to 20

Counting is the process of saying numbers in order while matching them to a set of objects. Children should practice counting objects up to 20 accurately, one by one.

Counting Activities:

Place 14 blocks on a table and count each aloud together.
Arrange 20 buttons in a line and have children count them from left to right.
Present 5 stuffed animals and ask: “How many do you see?”

Teaching Tip

Encourage children to touch or point to each object as they count. This reinforces the idea that each number matches one object.

Recognizing Numbers from 0 to 20

Recognizing numbers means identifying numerals and linking them to their spoken names. Children should be able to read and say numbers from 0 to 20 with ease.

Number Recognition Practice:

Show number cards from 0 to 20 and have children name each number.
Mix up number cards and ask: “Can you find the number 13?”
Display a chart with numbers 1 to 20 and point to numbers randomly for quick identification.

Helpful Strategy

Use number cards daily for short, fun recognition games. This builds confidence in identifying numbers quickly.

Writing Numbers 0 to 20

Writing numbers helps children understand the shape and formation of numerals. Practice writing numbers from 0 to 20 to develop fine motor skills and number sense.

Writing Practice:

Provide traceable worksheets for numbers 1 to 20.
Have children write numbers on whiteboards while saying them aloud.
Encourage students to write the numbers that match a group of counted objects.

Instructional Focus

Model how to start each numeral at the correct spot. Practice slowly to ensure correct formation before increasing speed.

Counting to Answer “How Many?”

Children learn to count objects in a group to determine "how many" there are. This builds their understanding that numbers represent a quantity or total.

Counting to Answer:

Place 16 crayons in a box and ask: “How many crayons are there?”
Arrange 9 toy cars and count them together to verify the total.
Ask children to count how many stickers are on their notebook (up to 20).

Instructional Reminder

Guide children to check their counting by recounting the objects if unsure. This encourages careful and accurate counting.

Comparing Numbers Up to 20

Comparing numbers helps children understand which number is greater, less, or if two numbers are equal. Visual models like objects or number lines support this understanding.

Comparison Activities:

Show groups of 12 and 15 cubes → “Which group has more?”
Compare 8 stickers to 8 pencils → “Are they equal?”
Ask: “Which is fewer, 10 marbles or 14 marbles?”

Visual Strategy

Use number lines to show how numbers increase. Highlight which number is farther along the line to support comparisons.

Understanding Teen Numbers (11–19)

Teen numbers are made of a group of ten plus additional ones. Children should practice seeing numbers like 14 as “ten and four more.”

Teen Number Activities:

Build 13 using a full ten frame and three extra counters.
Ask: “How is 17 made?” and model with ten counters and seven more.
Show 19 objects and discuss how it is ten plus nine.

Helpful Tip

Emphasize the “ten and more” structure of teen numbers to help children transition into understanding place value.

Fluency in Counting Forward and Backward

Fluency means counting forward from 1 to 20 and backward from any number within this range. This prepares children for addition and subtraction concepts.

Fluency Practice:

Count forward together from 1 to 20.
Practice counting backward from 15 to 0.
Challenge students to start at 8 and count up to 16 without stopping.