Counting forward and backward in steps of 2, 3, 5 and 10
Year 2 brings a new level to conting in 2s,5s, and 10s. This time your child will be expected to count starting from any number and also to count backwards. They will also lear to count in 3s, which will come handy while learning x3 tables.
Count in 2s
In Year 2 your child should be quite comftable counting in 2s. Now they are expected to count in 2s starting on any number and be able to count backwards as well.
Super Tip: Count in pattern: count '1' quietly and '2' loud, '3' quietly and '4' loud. They will get the idea very fast.
Make it
Buy it
Numicon number line
You might already have it, if you bought the numicon pack, but if not, then you can also buy it separately.
Click on the picture to view it on amazon.
Count in 3s
This is a new skill, and if your child masters it, it will help him to figure out x3 tables. Super tip: Count in a pattern; quiet, quiet, LOUD.
Make it
Memory game
One step at the time:
- ask your child to say it out loud,
- say it using your silly voice,
- wisper them in my ear,
- write them on a whiteboard,
- close your eyes and say them one more time,
- rub out the whiteboard and write the numbers on paper/static notes,
- stick the notes to the wall,
- read the numbers every day for two day up to a week.
After that, move on to next 3 numbers - 12,15,18. Carry on till you get to number 30.
Building blocks with numbers
To make sure that your child understands the idea of counting in 3s I recommend to use building blocks. Put 3 numbers in order and ask your child to put the correct number of blocks on top. It is a great idea to visualise how the numbers grow in 3s. You can also use magnetic numbers and magnets under.
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Make snap cubes stamps
You probably have snap cubes/interlocking cubes/ unifix but the way I used them in this video tutorial is a bit different. When we count in 3s we count in patterns, so your painting should also show a pattern.
To make stamps: join the cubes to have 3 flat cubes at the bottom and make a little handle to hold them. I used poster paint, but any thick paint or ink should do the trick.
Why won't you use this trick to practice counting in 2s, 5s or go wild and join 10 cubes!!
Click here to check the snap cubes on Amazon
Click on the picture to view it on amazon.
Mark your hundred square
Use a coloured, but still see through, tape and mark all the numbers following a pattern: quiet, quiet, LOUD ona hundred square.
click here to view it on amazon This link is for a pack of 10. I like this particular hundred square as it is wipeable and reusable. I couldn't find a single one from this brand, so please talk to your friends and get them together.
Click on the picture to view it on amazon.
Static notes number line
Make a number line in 3s using static notes and stick to the wall, window, wherever you want. It is mess free.
Click here to view them on amazon
Click on the picture to view it on amazon.
Count in 5s
Make it
Buy it
Use coloured, but still see through, tape and mark all required numbers. Every day ask your child to read them with you.
click here to view it on amazon
This link is for a pack of 10. I like this particular hundred square as it is wipeable and reusable. I couldn't find a single one from this brand, so please talk to your friends and get them together.
Click on the picture to view it on amazon.
Abacus
Get abacus. It is great for building the understanding of counting in 5s.
Click on the picture to view it on amazon.
Numicon number line
You might already have it, if you bought the numicon pack, but if not, then you can also buy it separately.
Click on the picture to view it on amazon.
Interlocking cubes
Join the cubes in blocks of 5.
Click on the picture to view it on amazon.
Count in 10s
Make it
Buy it
Hundred square
Use coloured, but still see through, tape and mark all required numbers. Every day ask your child to read them with you.
Click here to view it on amazon This link is for a pack of 10. I like this particular hundred square as it is wipeable and reusable. I couldn't find a single one from this brand, so please talk to your friends and get them together.
Click on the picture to view it on amazon.
Abacus
Get abacus. It is great for building the understanding of counting in 10s. each time you move a row you add another 10.
Click on the picture to view it on amazon.
Numicon number line
You might already have it, if you bought the numicon pack, but if not, then you can also buy it separately.
Click on the picture to view it on amazon.
Numicon set
Numicon is great to build your child's undrstanding of numbers. In this set you will find enough 10 frames to count to 100. Use them to help your child understand the process.
Click here to view it on amazon
Click on the picture to view it on amazon.
Interlocking cubes
Join the cubes in groups of 10.
Click on the picture to view it on amazon.