Counting 1 to 10

1Summary 重點摘要

Count from 1 to 10, learn the shape and writing of each number.

2Vocabulary cards Vocabulary

3Step by step Steps

1. Step 1: Count 1 to 10Counting has an order. We say the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 one after another and never skip one; this is the first rule of counting. Why does order matter? Skipping one number makes the total too small. Example: hold up both hands, touch each finger and say the numbers; you stop right at 10 with all ten fingers used. The stretch around 6, 7 and 8 is where skipping happens most, so say those numbers slowly.
2. Step 2: Point and countWhen counting things, point at one thing and say one number, then move to the next, one thing to one number. Example: there are 5 cups on the table; point at the first cup and say 1, then the next and say 2, up to 5. Never skip a cup and never count the same cup twice. The usual error is the eyes and mouth running ahead while the pointing hand misses a cup in the middle, so the count gives 4; pointing and saying must move together, which is the key to accurate counting.
3. Step 3: Recognise the digitsEach digit has its own shape, and knowing the shapes makes them easy to recognise; recognising digits is the base of reading and writing numbers. Example: 1 looks like a straight pencil, 2 looks like a swimming duck, 3 looks like two ears, and 8 looks like a snowman of two circles. The more you see and write them, the faster you get. Watch 6 and 9: their shapes are close, only turned around, so check whether the circle is at the top or the bottom instead of rushing.
4. Step 4: Forwards and backwardsCounting can go two ways: counting up from small to big is counting on, and counting down from big to small is counting back, and both directions need practice. Why practise both? Counting on helps with addition, and counting back helps with subtraction. Example: count on 6, 7, 8; count back 8, 7, 6. The usual fault is counting on smoothly but having to pause when counting back, especially from 10 down to 1, so practise counting back often.
5. Step 5: Match number to amountEvery number stands for an amount, and the digit and the things must match; this joins number to amount. Example: write 4 and take out 4 blocks; if there are 6 sweets, write the number 6. Count the things first, then choose the right number. Take care that the order is count first and write after; doing it the other way round, writing a digit and then dropping things at random, pairs the digit with the wrong amount, and number and amount never connect.
6. Step 6: Zero means noneZero is a special number: it means there is nothing at all, and it is the last and most important step in learning numbers. Example: a box with no sweets inside is written as 0; an empty plate with nothing on it is 0 too. Even when there is nothing, we still write a number, and that number is 0. The common misconception is that 0 is not a number; in fact 0 has one clear meaning just like every other digit, and that meaning is none.

4Diagrams Diagrams

5Worked example Example

6Common mistakes Mistakes

7Quick check Quick check

8Recap Recap

• Count forwards 1 to 10 and backwards too.
• Point at each object while counting; do not skip.
• Each digit has its own shape; recognise and write them.
• A number matches its amount: 4 means 4 things.
• Zero means none at all.