i-Ready Classroom Mathematics Kindergarten, Unit 1: Numbers to 5 and Shapes
In this unit, your child starts the year with small numbers and simple shapes. Kindergartners count groups up to 5, write those numerals, and learn that the last number counted tells how many. Alongside that, they name circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles and describe where things are. The next unit pushes counting up to 10 and adds comparing groups.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 1?
- Writing the numerals 0 to 5, the written numbers, to show how many are in a small group. Learn more: Writing numbers from 0 to 20
- Counting up to 5 objects with one number each, and knowing the last number counted tells how many. Learn more: How counting tells you how many
- Counting groups of up to 5 in a line or scattered, and counting out that many things when asked. Learn more: Counting groups of up to 20 things
- Finding circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles around them, and saying where things are with words like above and below. Learn more: Spotting shapes and saying where things are
- Naming circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles no matter their size or which way they are turned. Learn more: Naming shapes turned any which way
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
- Hunt for shapes around the house, such as a round clock or a square pillow, and count how many of each shape you find, up to 5.
- Ask your child to put up to 5 toys on a shelf and some below it, then count each group and say where the toys are.
- Draw small groups of up to 5 dots, triangles, or squares on paper, and let your child count each group and write the number.
Where kids can get stuck
- Starting again from 1 when asked how many, right after counting 4 toys correctly.
- Calling a triangle that points down 'not a triangle,' because it looks upside down.
- Writing 5 or 3 backward, which is common and does not mean they misunderstand the amount.
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
- numeral
- The written symbol for a number, like 7.
- count
- To say numbers in order, giving one number to each thing.
- how many
- The question a count answers; the last number you say tells it.
- circle
- A round, flat shape with no sides or corners.
- triangle
- A flat shape with 3 straight sides and 3 corners.
- square
- A flat shape with 4 equal sides and 4 square corners.
- rectangle
- A flat shape with 4 sides and 4 square corners.
- above
- Higher than something else, like a lamp above a table.
- below
- Lower than something else, like a rug below a chair.
Want to help your child master numbers and shapes?
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 i-Ready Classroom Mathematics Kindergarten Unit 1 cover?
i-Ready Classroom 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.