Counting on from any number
In kindergarten, children learn to start counting from any number, such as 7 or 23, instead of always beginning at 1.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
Try these with your child
These are real questions from our kindergarten 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 number comes after 10?
- 9
- 11
- 12
Why this matters
Being able to start a count anywhere saves your child from going back to 1 every time they add. To find 8 + 3, they start at 8 and count three more, a strategy they use all through kindergarten and 1st grade. It also makes counting to 120 in 1st grade feel manageable, and later helps with subtracting by counting up, such as finding 12 - 9 by counting from 9 to 12.
Where kids can get stuck
- Going back to 1 to find the next number, even after counting "6, 7, 8" correctly.
- Counting the starting number as a step, so 3 more than 5 becomes "5, 6, 7" and lands on 7.
- Starting easily from small numbers like 4, but freezing when the starting number is in the teens, such as 13.
How you can help
- Call out a starting number in the car, such as 11, and have your child count on from there until the next stoplight or turn.
- Count steps on a walk, then stop, and when you start again, pick up from the last number instead of starting again at 1.
- Play a game where you say a number, such as 14, and your child says the next three numbers, then switch so they give you a starting number.
The kid-friendly video below is a nice one to watch together. For more, Bobby's Math Club has free practice at your child’s level.
Kid-friendly explanation
Questions parents ask
Why is my child learning to count from numbers other than 1?
Counting from any number shows that your child knows the sequence well and can use it flexibly. It is also the basis of counting on, a strategy for adding. To find 9 + 2, a child can start at 9 and count "10, 11." That is much faster than counting all nine first.
My child has to start at 1 every time. Is that normal?
Yes, many children start kindergarten this way. Counting feels like a song, and the start is the easiest place to find each number. Help your child practice by saying a few numbers in a row, such as "4, 5, 6," and asking them to keep going. With practice, they learn to jump in without starting over.
How far should my child be able to count on in kindergarten?
By the end of kindergarten, children are expected to count forward from any number within the sequence they know, which reaches 100. Most practice starts with small numbers, then the teens, then larger numbers. Starting from a number like 37 is harder than starting from 7, so expect this to grow over the year.
Make learning math fun
Bobby's Math Club turns kindergarten math practice into something fun to do together.
- Unlimited free practice
- A few minutes a day, at just the right level
- Level-ups, badges, and a cheer for every win
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.
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Join the clubNote for teachers: This skill is covered by Common Core math standard K.CC.A.2: “Count forward beginning from a given number within the known sequence (instead of having to begin at 1).” Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow. (Common Core K.CC.2)