Everyday Mathematics Kindergarten, Unit 1: Math All Around Me
In this unit, your child starts kindergarten math by noticing numbers and groups all around them. They count aloud toward 100, learn that the last number counted tells how many, and sort toys into groups to count. These first counting habits lead into the next unit, where your child reads, writes, and counts the numbers they see every day.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 1?
- Counting aloud by ones as far as they can toward 100, and starting to count by tens: 10, 20, 30. Learn more about counting to 100 by ones: Counting to 100 by ones · Learn more about counting to 100 by tens
- Learning that each object gets just one number, and the last number said tells how many there are in all. Learn more: How counting tells you how many
- Sorting toys into groups by color or kind, counting each group, and telling which group has the most. Learn more: Sorting things into groups and counting them
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 out loud together on a walk or ride, taking turns saying the next number. Pause at a number like 29 and let your child say what comes next.
- Put a few crackers on a plate and have your child touch each one as they count. Then ask, "How many are there?" and listen for the last number they said.
- Dump a bin of large toys on the floor and sort them together by color or kind. Count each pile, then ask which pile has the most.
Where kids can get stuck
- Saying "twenty-nine, twenty-ten" instead of thirty when they reach the end of a set of ten.
- Touching some toys twice or skipping others while counting, so the total changes every time.
- Starting over from 1 when asked how many, instead of repeating the last number they counted.
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, one number for each thing.
- how many
- A question that asks us to count and tell the total.
- sort
- To put things into groups that are alike in some way.
- group
- A set of things that belong together.
- most
- The greatest number of things.
- fewest
- The smallest number of things.
- tens
- Groups of ten, counted 10, 20, 30, and on.
Want to help your child master counting and sorting?
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 Everyday Mathematics Kindergarten Unit 1 cover?
Everyday 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.