1. USE A CALCULATOR
Teachers usually don’t think about using calculators when practicing skip counting. However, they can be a fun and useful tool when teaching this skill.
Teacher Tip:
2. PLAY A GAME
3. QUESTIONING
Check out my Skip Counting and Odd/Even Numbers Flip and Go Math Cards. They are great for providing questions in whole group or small group.
4. USE STICKY NOTES WITH A 100s CHART
Using sticky notes can be a very fun and interactive way to practice skip counting. One example would be to use an enlarged number chart and cover specific numbers with a sticky note. Write one letter of the alphabet on each sticky notes. Next have students record the missing numbers on a separate recording sheet.In the example below, have students start at the number 9 and skip count by 3s.
If you love using sticky notes be sure to check out my post 10 Ways to Teach Math Using Post It Notes.
5. SING SONGS
Skip Count (…and then add on) from Harry Kindergarten Music – Harry Kindergarten Music has great music videos that incorporates a range of skills and concepts. This skip counting video has excellent visuals. It shows how to skip count using base ten rods and then adding on ones to figure out the total amount. It is a great tool for teaching math conceptually!
6. USE MANIPULATIVES
Students feel very accomplished when they are able to count by 2s, 5s, 10s, etc. But be careful! Students may appear to understand the strategy because they can recite a string of numbers, but do they really understand the purpose of skip counting? Pull out the manipulatives. Use snap cubes, candy. paper clips or any other objects you can find.
Be sure to ask guiding questions such as: 1) What do you notice? 2) How is the amount changing? or 3) If you continued this pattern, what would be the total number of objects in the 10th, 11th or 12th model?
Click on the photo below to check out this informative post from Math Coach’s Corner about why we still need to use those concrete objects when introducing this math skill.
Do you have any other ways that you teach skip counting in your classroom? Please share in the comments section.
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