Saxon Math Kindergarten, Section 1: Sorting Patterning & Counting (0-10)
In this unit, your child starts with sorting, patterns, and counting to 10. Kindergartners group objects by color, shape, or size, continue simple patterns like clap, stomp, clap, stomp, count each sorted group, and write the numbers 0 to 10. These daily routines build careful habits that lead into the next part of the year, where your child names shapes and compares numbers.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 1?
- Writing the numerals 0 to 10 to record how many are in each sorted group, using 0 for an empty group. Learn more: Writing numbers from 0 to 20
- Counting each sorted group with one number per object, and knowing the last number tells how many. Learn more: How counting tells you how many
- Sorting objects by color, shape, or size, counting each group, and noticing 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
How many apples do you see?
- 9
- 7
- 8
How you can help
- Sort the laundry by color with your child, count each pile, and write the number on a sticky note to put on top.
- Make a clap, stomp, clap, stomp pattern together and ask your child what comes next, then let them make up a pattern for you.
- Sort a basket of toys by size into big and small, count each group, and ask your child which group has more.
Where kids can get stuck
- Sorting by color at first and then switching to size partway, without noticing the rule changed.
- Counting a sorted group correctly but writing a different number, such as 6 for a group of 9.
- Starting over from 1 when asked how many, even right after finishing a count.
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
- sort
- To put things into groups that belong together.
- group
- A set of things that belong together in some way.
- pattern
- Something that repeats in order, like clap, stomp, clap, stomp.
- numeral
- The written symbol for a number, like 7.
- count
- To say numbers in order, giving one number to each thing.
- most
- The group with the largest number of things.
- zero
- The number for none at all, written 0.
Want to help your child master sorting and counting 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 Saxon Math Kindergarten Section 1 cover?
Saxon Math Kindergarten Section 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.