Counting forward means saying number names in order, from a smaller number to a larger number. When you count forward, each number comes after the number before it.
The counting sequence from 1 to 20 is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.
Point to each number from left to right. Say each number name as you go.
Say the numbers in order: “One, two, three … nineteen, twenty.”
Go slowly at first. Point to one number for each number name. Practice the sequence a few numbers at a time, then try counting all the way to 20.
When you count a group of objects, touch or point to each object once and say one number name for it. This helps you keep track and avoid skipping an object or counting the same object more than once.
The last number you say tells how many objects are in the group.
Count the six apples. Point to each apple as you say the next number.
You said “one, two, three, four, five, six.” The group has six apples because six was the last number you counted.
Move your finger from one object to the next. If you lose your place, start again and count each object only once.
You can count forward from a number other than 1. Start with the number you are given, then say the numbers that come after it in the counting sequence.
For example, after 7 comes 8, then 9, then 10.
Start at 7. Count forward to 12.
Say “seven” first because 7 is the starting number. Then say “eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve.”
Do not go back to 1 unless you are asked to start at 1. Listen for the starting number, say it, and then continue with the next number.
Each number in the counting sequence has a number that comes right after it. To find the next number, say the counting sequence until you reach the starting number, then say the next number.
For example, 13 comes after 12, and 14 comes after 13.
What number comes after 15?
Count “14, 15, 16.” The number after 15 is 16.
After 9 comes 10. After 19 comes 20. These number names may take extra practice because they sound different from the numbers just before them.
When you count from 8 to 12, you pass from the single-digit numbers to the numbers with two digits. Keep counting in the same order: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
The number 10 comes after 9. The numbers 11 and 12 come after 10.
Help the bear walk from 8 to 12 by saying every number along the path.
Say “eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve.” Do not stop after 9; 10 is the next number.
Practice the numbers around 10 often: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. You can clap once for each number to help keep the sequence steady.
After you can count to 10, practice saying the numbers from 10 through 20. Start by saying 10, then continue with 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20.
Counting from 10 to 20 helps you learn the number names in the second part of the counting sequence.
Say each number as you move along the path from 10 to 20.
Count in order: “10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.”
If you forget a number, return to 10 and count forward again. Learning the sequence takes practice, and it is fine to say the numbers slowly.
A missing number is a number left out of a counting sequence. Look at the numbers before and after the empty space. Count aloud to find which number belongs there.
Which number is missing: 16, 17, __, 19, 20?
Count “16, 17, 18, 19, 20.” The missing number is 18.
Do not guess from the empty space. Say the whole sequence aloud and listen for the number that belongs between the numbers you can see.
You can practice counting forward during everyday activities. Count steps, crayons, toy cars, blocks, or claps. Count one object or action for each number name, and stop at the number you are asked to reach.
Count the eight blocks. Say one number for each block.
Point to each block and count “one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.”
Choose safe objects that are easy to see and touch. An adult can help you check your count and practice counting farther, all the way to 20.
This resource is designed to provide clear explanations, examples, and practice for learners of different needs and levels of support. It may be used for whole-class instruction, guided practice, independent learning, review, homework, or additional reinforcement at home.