Skip counting is a skill that is sometimes not viewed as a necessary skill. This skill actually has a lot of value in math – it goes beyond skip counting used for games. Skip counting is a way for children to recognize patterns and it helps students with the prerequisite skills for multiplication. Let’s take a look at some different ways to introduce and reinforce skip counting.
- Introduce and Sing Skip Counting Songs
One of my favorite music artists is Jack Hartmann. He has several fun and engaging songs to help children skip count by different numbers. Check out a few of the videos below to practice skip counting by 10s and 5s.
- Read Books about Skip Counting
There are many children’s books that introduce skip counting in a fun way. Check out some book recommendations below:
Eggs and Legs: Counting by Twos
by Michael Dahl
Quack and Count
by Keith Baker
100th Day Worries
by Margery Cuyler
- Skip Counting Chain
This is something fun that the whole family can do at a restaurant, on a car trip, and many other places. The idea behind this is very simple. Each person will skip count around a circle by a given number. Each person has to listen to the person before them so they know which number they should say. You could make this even more of a challenge by skip counting backwards!
- Skip Count with Handprints
You can make a fun art activity by putting handprints onto a piece of paper. This would be a great way to practice skip counting by 5s or 10s.
Image Source: Liz’s Early Learning Spot
- Skip Counting Hopscotch
A fun way to keep active and practice math skills is to integrate the two! When drawing a hopscotch grid on the sidewalk, determine which number to have your child skip count by. Put each number in one of the boxes. Have your child skip count out load as they jump to each square.
Image Source: Math Geek Mama
What are some of your favorite ways to practice skip counting with your child?
