Grade 1 foundation · useful Grade 2 review
Count on from a number
Keep a known amount in mind and count on to add a few more.
Try a little together. Every step is optional, and you can stop whenever you need.
Show it
Get ready: Eight counters or blocks and a small cloth.
Move one step at a time
Start with 5. 0 more added. 5 counters altogether.
5 + 3 = 8
- Count five counters together. Cover those five with a cloth. Put three more beside it.
- Say: “We know there are five under here. Start at five. Add one: six. One more: seven. One more: eight.” Touch each new counter once.
- Uncover the five and check all eight together. Write 5 + 3 = 8 beside the counters.
“We know there are five here. Can we start at five and count three more?”
Try 4 + 2, then 6 + 3. Let the child move the counters and choose when to cover the starting group.
What to notice and a response to try
The child starts at one again, or says “five, six, seven” for the three new counters.
Counting all is a useful starting point. For counting on, five is the amount we already have. Touch the first new counter as you say six. Keep fingers or counters available.
Keep going with objects or paper
At tidy-up time, count five blocks into a box. Add three more together. Ask how many are inside, then tip them out to check.
This works without a screen, an account or a printer.
Or play Mathmagician’s Quest
Start a new game. This link starts with small addition questions and practice mode. Keep counters nearby and count on together.
Games use a free adult account. When you’re ready, choose “Back to our idea” in the game. Finishing the game is optional.
Play Mathmagician’s Quest →Use a classroom tool together
Use the ten-frame pictures to talk about two parts making a whole. Pause to count from a known part together.
Open Part-Part-Whole →Free, no sign-in. Come back to this guide when you’re ready.
Away from the screen, put six blocks in a bag and add two. Ask: “How many now? How did you work it out?”
Listen and look for
The child keeps six as the starting amount and counts seven, eight for the two new blocks. Counting all is still useful evidence about where to begin next time.
Let them point, move objects, draw or explain aloud. One example starts a conversation; it does not establish mastery.
A good place to pause
Next time, try the idea with different objects or numbers. Notice how your child shows their thinking.
At tidy-up time, count five blocks into a box. Add three more together. Ask how many are inside, then tip them out to check.
Only your place in this guide is remembered. No answer or judgment about your child is saved.
Need an easier example or a break?
Keep every counter visible. Start with 3 + 1. Count all to check, then try starting at three.
Try one example yourself while your child watches. Keep fingers, objects and drawings available. If it feels frustrating, stop and return to something familiar another day.
Ready for more?
Compare 3 + 8 and 8 + 3 with counters. Does the total change? Which starting number makes counting easier?
Use it with your class
One shared screen is enough. Give pairs objects or paper so everyone can take part.
- Show five counters and three more. Invite children to think before taking answers.
- Model counting on. In pairs, one child builds a starting group and the other adds one, two or three.
- Invite two children to explain their methods. Finish with a new example using real counters.
Curriculum connection: Gr 1 · N10 in the NB 2009 guide. This activity practises part of the outcome; it is not an assessment of the whole outcome.
Take the same idea home
Share this free guide or print a short card for families. The link contains only the topic, with no names or progress attached.
Ready-to-share family note
We’re exploring: Count on from a number. Keep a known amount in mind and count on to add a few more. Try this together at home: At tidy-up time, count five blocks into a box. Add three more together. Ask how many are inside, then tip them out to check. You can use objects or paper, and stop whenever you need. Free guide: https://mraube.ca/learn/counting-on