Pre-K · Counting & Cardinality
PK.CC.3a: One-to-one counting
PK.CC.3a is a Pre-K 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 Pre-K math learning standard
When counting objects, say the number names in the standard order, pairing each object with one and only one number name and each number name with one and only one object.
In plain words
One-to-one counting.
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
You count the blocks: 1, 2, 3, 4. How many blocks are there?
- 5
- 4
- 3
Where students can get stuck
- Saying the numbers faster than they point, so the words run ahead and four blocks get counted as six.
- Counting the same object twice in a scattered pile, after losing track of which ones are done.
- Skipping an object at the end of a row or in a corner, and giving a total one too small.
Effective teaching strategies
- Count large objects students can touch and move, such as blocks or stuffed animals, sliding each one aside as it is counted.
- Touch each object together while saying one number name, slowly enough that each touch matches exactly one word.
- Count the same objects in a line, then in a circle with a start-here marker, so students know where they began.
Share it with families
Families can read Counting each thing once: one number for each object 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.