Kindergarten · Counting & Cardinality
K.CC.A.2: Count forward from a given number
K.CC.A.2 is a kindergarten Common Core math standard in Counting & Cardinality. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Count forward beginning from a given number within the known sequence (instead of having to begin at 1).
In plain words
Count forward from a given number.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
What number comes after 10?
- 9
- 11
- 12
Where students 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.
Effective teaching strategies
- Lay a floor-tape number line from 1 to 20 and call out a start number such as 6, then have students step forward saying 7, 8, 9.
- Give a start card such as 13 and a stop card such as 17, and have students count from the start card to the stop card without returning to 1.
- Model hopping a stuffed animal along the number line so the first hop from 5 lands on 6, showing that the starting number is not counted as a step.
Units that teach this standard
Find where K.CC.A.2 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
enVision Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Reveal Math
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Counting on from any number for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice counting at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.