K.CC.1: Counting to 100

1. Number Line

Draw or print a number line from 1-100. Point to each number as your child counts.

2. Hundred Chart

Use a 10×10 grid showing numbers 1-100. This helps children see patterns and understand counting by tens (moving down a column).

3. Counting Objects

Use small objects like beans or buttons. For counting by tens, make groups of 10 objects.

4. Fingers

Use fingers for counting to 10, then repeat for each decade (showing "2" can mean 20 when counting by tens).

1. Counting Collections

Gather small objects (buttons, coins, pasta) and have your child count them. Start with smaller amounts (20-30) and gradually increase.

2. Number Hunt

Look for numbers in your home or neighborhood (on mailboxes, pages, clocks). Have your child identify each number and count up from it.

3. Counting Books

Read books that focus on counting. After reading, practice counting the objects on each page together.

4. Counting Songs

Sing counting songs like "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe" or "Ten in the Bed." Use YouTube for animated counting songs that show numbers visually.

5. Counting Games

Play board games that involve counting spaces, like Chutes and Ladders or simple counting card games.

1. Start Small

If counting to 100 is overwhelming, start with 1-20, then 1-50, then 1-100. Master each range before moving on.

2. Focus on Trouble Spots

Most children struggle with decade transitions (29 to 30, 79 to 80). Practice these specifically.

3. Make it Physical

Jump, clap, or stomp while counting. Physical movement helps memory.

4. Use a Visual Aid

Keep a number chart where your child can see it daily. Point to numbers while counting.

5. Daily Practice

Count for 2 minutes every day. Consistent short practice is better than occasional long sessions.

Activity 1: Missing Numbers

Say: "I'll count and skip some numbers. You tell me the missing ones."
Example: "1, 2, ___, 4, 5" or "10, 20, ___, 40"

Activity 2: Count and Move

Count by 1s while walking up stairs.
Count by 10s while doing jumping jacks.

Activity 3: Start in the Middle

Start counting from a random number like 37 or 62.
This builds flexibility with the counting sequence.

Activity 4: Count Real Things

Count items in your home (books on a shelf, toys in a bin).
For larger numbers, estimate first, then count to check.

By the middle of the year, your child should:

• Count to at least 50 by ones
• Count to 100 by tens (10, 20, 30...)
• Recognize patterns in counting (what comes after 29, what comes after 59)

By the end of the year, your child should:

• Count to 100 by ones
• Count to 100 by tens starting at any multiple of 10
• Understand decade transitions (29 to 30, 89 to 90)
• Count forward from any number (not just from 1)

Simple Assessment:

Ask your child to count as high as they can by ones. Note where they make mistakes or hesitate.
Ask your child to count by tens to 100. Watch for understanding of the pattern.
Ask your child to start counting from 28 and continue to at least 35. This checks decade transitions.