Pre-K · Counting & Cardinality
PK.CC.3b: Last number = total
PK.CC.3b 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
Understand that the last number name said tells the number of objects counted. The number of objects is the same regardless of their arrangement or the order in which they were counted.
In plain words
Last number = total.
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 push 4 cars close together. How many cars are there now?
- 4
- 3
- 5
Where students can get stuck
- Counting the group again from one when you ask how many, instead of giving the last number.
- Thinking a spread-out row of five buttons has more than a tight row of five, because it looks longer.
- Expecting a different total when the count starts from a different object, and being surprised when it matches.
Effective teaching strategies
- Count a row of five blocks together, then ask how many there are and prompt students to say the last number they said instead of counting again.
- Move the same five blocks from a long row into a tight clump and have students count both to see that the total is still 5.
- Begin the count of five stuffed animals at a different one each time and ask students what stayed the same.
Share it with families
Families can read The last number counted tells how many 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.