Skip Counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s

Grade 1 Easy Counting Cardinality

Learning Objectives

  • Count by 2s from 0 to 20
  • Count by 5s from 0 to 50
  • Count by 10s from 0 to 100

Concept Explanation

Skip counting is a way to count more efficiently by skipping numbers in a pattern. Instead of counting every number, you count by a specific interval. For example, when counting by 2s, you say “2, 4, 6, 8…” skipping the odd numbers. This skill builds a foundation for multiplication and helps students recognize patterns in our number system.

Worked Examples

Example 1

Problem: Count by 2s from 0 to 10.
Solution: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
Explanation: Start at 0 and add 2 each time.

Example 2

Problem: Count by 5s from 5 to 30.
Solution: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
Explanation: Start at 5 and add 5 each time.

Example 3

Problem: Count by 10s from 0 to 50.
Solution: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50
Explanation: Start at 0 and add 10 each time.

Common Errors

ErrorCorrectionReason
Mixing up counting patternsStick to one pattern at a timeStudents might accidentally switch from counting by 2s to counting by 1s.
Forgetting where to startAlways identify the starting numberStarting from the wrong number throws off the entire sequence.
Skipping too many or too fewPractice the pattern consistentlyRushing may lead to incorrect intervals between numbers.

Practice Problems

  1. Problem: Count by 2s from 2 to 12
    Solution: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
  2. Problem: Count by 5s from 0 to 25
    Solution: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25
  3. Problem: Count by 10s from 10 to 60
    Solution: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60
  4. Problem: What comes after 35 when counting by 5s?
    Solution: 40
  5. Problem: What comes before 8 when counting by 2s?
    Solution: 6

Real-World Application Example

Skip counting is used when counting money (counting by 5s for nickels, by 10s for dimes, by 25s for quarters), telling time (counting by 5s around a clock face), or counting objects that come in pairs or groups (like shoes, eyes, or wheels).

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