Counting Objects One by One
Aligned to K.CC.B.4 — Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
What this lesson teaches
When we count, each object gets exactly one number word, in order. The last number you say tells how many there are in all.
Worked examples
Example 1
Count 5 blocks: point to each and say 'one, two, three, four, five.' There are 5 blocks — the last number, 5, is the total.
Example 2
Count the stairs as you climb: 'one, two, three, four.' Four stairs. It does not matter if you count fast or slow — each stair still gets one number.
Example 3
Count 4 spoons, then count the same spoons starting from the other end. You still say 'four' last. Moving where you start does not change how many there are.
Practice questions
- Count a row of 6 crayons out loud, pointing to each.
- If the last number you say is 8, how many things are there?
- Count 4 toys, then add one more — how many now?
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Contar objetos uno por uno
Cuando contamos, a cada objeto le corresponde exactamente un número, en orden. El último número que dices indica cuántos hay en total.
Ejemplo 1: Cuenta 5 bloques: señala cada uno y di 'uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco.' Hay 5 bloques — el último número, 5, es el total.
Ejemplo 2: Cuenta los escalones mientras subes: 'uno, dos, tres, cuatro.' Cuatro escalones. No importa si cuentas rápido o despacio — cada escalón recibe un solo número.
Ejemplo 3: Cuenta 4 cucharas y luego cuenta las mismas cucharas empezando por el otro lado. Igual dices 'cuatro' al final. Cambiar dónde empiezas no cambia cuántas hay.
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