Numbers tell how many
These three ideas are what let your child trust their own count. With them, your child can compare groups, add by counting on, and know that 12 and one more is 13 without starting again. They also prepare for 1st grade, where 13 is seen as one ten and three ones, and for adding and subtracting within 20, where careful counting keeps the answers right.
In this video, your child will learn to see how numbers tell us how many.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
How many dots?
Example 2
How many dots?
Your child's turn
How many dots?
The three key steps
- 1Say one number for each dot.
- 2The last number tells how many.
- 3Moving the dots or where we start doesn't change how many.
Mistakes to listen for
- Touching each of 15 toys but counting some twice, so the total changes every time they count.
- Starting again from 1 when asked how many, right after counting 12 cars correctly.
- Recounting all 9 objects after one more is added, instead of knowing the new total is 10.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to how counting tells you how many →
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More Kindergarten Numbers & Place Value, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice how counting tells you how many, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to how counting tells you how many has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
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Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on how counting tells you how many and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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