enVision Mathematics Kindergarten, Topic 9: Count Numbers to 20
In this unit, counting stretches from 11 to 20. Your child counts larger groups, writes the teen numbers and 20, and keeps giving one number to each object even when the pile gets big. Saying 'eleventeen' at first is normal. After the adding and subtracting work, this widens the range of numbers and prepares for the next unit's look at each teen number as ten and some ones.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 9?
- Writing the numerals 11 to 20 the right way round, so fourteen is 14 and not 41. Learn more: Writing numbers from 0 to 20
- Keeping one number for each object in groups of 11 to 20, and knowing the last number tells how many. Learn more: How counting tells you how many
- Counting up to 20 objects in a line or grid, and counting out a teen number, such as 16, when asked. 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
How many apples do you see?
- 9
- 7
- 8
How you can help
- Count the stairs together as you climb, aiming for 20, and stop now and then to ask your child what number comes next.
- Ask your child to count out a teen number of things, such as 13 socks or 17 spoons, then write the number on a sticky note.
- Write the numbers 11 to 20 in chalk on the sidewalk and let your child hop along them, saying each number as they land.
Where kids can get stuck
- Writing fourteen as 41, putting the 4 first because that is the sound they hear first.
- Saying 'eleventeen' or 'twelveteen,' since those names do not follow the pattern of the other teens.
- Losing their place in a group of 18 and counting some objects twice, so each count gives a different total.
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
- teen numbers
- The numbers 11 to 19, each made of ten and some more ones.
- numeral
- The written symbol for a number, like 7.
- digit
- One of the ten symbols, 0 to 9, used to write every number.
- count
- To say numbers in order, giving one number to each thing.
- count out
- To count just the number of things someone asks for, then stop.
- one-to-one counting
- Giving each object exactly one number word as you count.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with counting to 20?
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.
Join the club
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 enVision Mathematics Kindergarten Topic 9 cover?
enVision Mathematics Kindergarten Topic 9 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.