Illustrative Mathematics Kindergarten, Unit 2: Numbers 1-10
In this unit, your child focuses on the numbers 1 through 10. Kindergartners count groups in rows, circles, and scattered piles, write the numerals, show numbers on their fingers, and decide which of two groups has more. It builds on the everyday counting from the first unit by adding writing and comparing, and the next unit turns to flat and solid shapes.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 2?
- Writing the numerals 1 to 10, the written numbers, and matching each one to a group or a set of fingers. Learn more: Writing numbers from 0 to 20
- Knowing the last number counted tells how many, and that adding one object makes the next number. Learn more: How counting tells you how many
- Counting groups of up to 10 in rows, circles, and scattered piles, and counting out a number when asked. Learn more: Counting groups of up to 20 things
- Deciding which of two groups has more, fewer, or the same by matching them up or counting each one. Learn more: Which group has more, fewer, or the same
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
- Show a number on your fingers and ask your child to write it, then let them show a number for you to write.
- Arrange shoes in a row, then in a circle, then in a messy pile, and ask your child to count them each time.
- Give your child two handfuls of socks, one in each hand, and ask which hand has more and how they can be sure.
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting a messy pile of shoes and touching some twice, so the count changes each time.
- Writing 9 backward or mixing it up with 6, which is common while learning.
- Thinking a pile that is spread out has more than a pile that is bunched together.
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.
- count out
- To count just the number of things someone asks for, then stop.
- more
- Having a larger number of things than another group.
- fewer
- Having a smaller number of things than another group.
- same
- Having exactly as many as another group.
Want to help your child master numbers 1 to 10?
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 Illustrative Mathematics Kindergarten Unit 2 cover?
Illustrative Mathematics Kindergarten Unit 2 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.