Bridges in Mathematics Kindergarten, Unit 1: Numbers All Around Us
In this unit, your child starts kindergarten math by noticing numbers everywhere, from house numbers to the plates on the table. Kindergartners count out loud, touch each object once, learn that the last number they say tells how many, and begin writing numerals, the written numbers. This everyday counting sets up the next unit, which takes a closer look at each number up to 10.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 1?
- Counting out loud as far as they can by ones, and starting to hear the pattern of tens on the way to 100. Learn more about counting to 100 by ones: Counting to 100 by ones · Learn more about counting to 100 by tens
- Writing numerals, the written numbers, to show how many things they counted, including 0 for none. Learn more: Writing numbers from 0 to 20
- Saying one number for each thing they touch, and knowing the last number they say tells how many. Learn more: How counting tells you how many
- Counting the things around them, such as chairs in a row or plates on a table, without skipping or doubling up. Learn more: Counting groups of up to 20 things
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
What comes next? 10, 20, 30, 40, __
- 60
- 50
- 41
How you can help
- Count the plates, forks, and cups as you set the table together, then ask your child how many people will be eating tonight and how they know.
- Look for numbers on a walk or ride, such as house numbers and signs, and have your child name any numbers they know and point to each one.
- Write a number from 0 to 10 on a sticky note and let your child find that many shoes, socks, or stuffed animals to put beside it.
Where kids can get stuck
- Touching some objects twice or skipping others, so the count changes each time they try.
- Starting over from 1 when asked how many, right after counting 8 cups correctly.
- Reversing some numerals, such as 3 or 7, which is very common and fine at this age.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- count
- To say numbers in order, giving one number to each thing.
- number
- A word or symbol that tells how many, like five or 5.
- numeral
- The written symbol for a number, like 7.
- zero
- The number for none at all, written 0.
- how many
- The question a count answers; the last number you say tells it.
- one-to-one counting
- Giving each object exactly one number word as you count.
Want to help your child master counting?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Bridges in Mathematics Kindergarten Unit 1 cover?
Bridges in Mathematics Kindergarten Unit 1 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.