Zearn Math Kindergarten, Mission 1: Numbers to 5
In this unit, your child gets to know the numbers to 5. They count small groups, write numerals, and learn that the last number counted tells how many. They also sort objects into groups and count each one. This number work comes first in the year, 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 Mission 1?
- Writing the numerals 0 to 5, and using 0 for a group with nothing in it. Learn more: Writing numbers from 0 to 20
- Counting each object once, and knowing the last number said is how many there are. Learn more: How counting tells you how many
- Counting up to 5 objects in a line, in a circle, or scattered, and counting out a requested number. Learn more: Counting groups of up to 20 things
- Sorting small sets of objects into groups, such as big and little, and counting how many are in each group. 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 a basket of toys into two groups, like soft and hard. Count each group with your child, and ask which group has more.
- Set up a pretend store with 5 toys. Ask your child to sell you 3 or 4, counting out exactly that many into your hands.
- Have your child write a number from 0 to 5 with a finger on your back while you guess it. Then switch, and count that many hops together.
Where kids can get stuck
- Skipping an object in a scattered group, so the total comes out one short.
- Sorting by color when asked to sort by size, because color is easier to notice.
- Saying one, two, three, four while touching only three toys, so the count runs ahead.
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.
- numeral
- The written symbol for a number, like 7.
- zero
- The number 0, which means none at all.
- how many
- A question that asks us to count and tell the total.
- count out
- To count until you have the exact number someone asked for.
- sort
- To put things into groups that are alike in some way.
- group
- A set of things that belong together.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with numbers to 5?
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 Zearn Math Kindergarten Mission 1 cover?
Zearn Math Kindergarten Mission 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.