Understand the idea.
Keep the jump the same
When you skip count, add the same amount each time. Twos give ; fives give . For equal groups, point to one whole group each time you say a new total.
Start in a different place
The starting number and the jump have different jobs. You can start at three and add two each time: . For a missing number, check that the jumps on both sides keep the same size.
See the method in action.
Count pairs
There are four pairs of socks. How many socks?
Worked solution
- 1
Find how many socks are in one pair.
A pair means two socks.
- 2
Count once for each of the four pairs.
Each new pair adds another two socks.
- 3
Read the final total.
The fourth count includes all four pairs.
8 socks.
A different start
Count in tens from 5. Write the next three numbers.
Worked solution
- 1
Add ten to the starting number.
The first new number is one jump of ten after five.
- 2
Add another ten.
The second jump has the same size as the first.
- 3
Add ten once more.
The next three numbers are fifteen, twenty-five and thirty-five.
15, 25, 35.
Try it yourself.
Check your understanding
What comes next: 15, 20, 25, __, counting in fives?
Show answer & reasoning
30
The count adds five each time. After twenty-five, , so the next number is .
Keep practising
6 worksheet questions
Read the questions online
- Fill the gap: .
- Write the next two numbers: .
- Fill the gaps: .
- There are three pairs of gloves. How many gloves?
- Count in twos from 3. Write the next three numbers.
- Six hands each have five fingers. Count in fives to find the fingers.
Read the worked solutions
- Fill the gap: .
Add two each time.
6 - Write the next two numbers: .
Add ten for each new number.
- Fill the gaps: .
Count in fives.
- There are three pairs of gloves. How many gloves?
Count the pairs: .
6 gloves. - Count in twos from 3. Write the next three numbers.
Keep adding two.
- Six hands each have five fingers. Count in fives to find the fingers.
.
30 fingers.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum Mathematics
Year 1 counting, place value and partitioning.
Official curriculum source ↗