Counting in multiples involves the process of advancing through the number line in intervals larger than one unit to arrive at a destination, or counting numbers. It involves counting numbers not in order of the next number, but rather with gaps between numbers; in other words, counting numbers in multiples of a fixed quantity. Counting by multiples of a fixed quantity is important for many reasons, including developing an understanding of multiplication and division, as well as recognizing patterns.
Benefits of Counting in Multiples
There are many ways that skip counting benefits young children.
1. Understanding Multiplication: counting by 3 is repeating the 3 multiplication table 2. Efficiency: counting by multiples is quicker than counting individually 3. Using the skill in everyday life: knowing how many five-minute intervals have passed when looking at a clock, counting cents, and measuring distance 4. Developing an understanding of patterns: learning to recognize relationships and repeating patterns with numbers.
Examples
1. Counting by 2s (Even Numbers)
Sequence: 2,4,6,8,10,12… etc.
Application:
Counting pairs of things (i.e., pairs of shoes or pairs of gloves); recognizing even #’s; basic addition methods. Coaching Tip: Counting the object(s) by grouping them into pairs and/or have them verbally count up in paired groupings.
2. Counting by 5s
Sequence: 5,10,15,20,25,30,35,40,45,50…
Application:
Interpreting the position of the hands on an analog clock (i.e., where the minute hand or hour hand is located); counting nickels & bills; tallying items. Coaching Tip: Using a clock face or cents with students to demonstrate real-life examples.
3. Counting by 10s
Sequence: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100…
Applications In Real Life:
* Counting dimes. * Measuring in tens (decimeters, decades). * Understanding place value.
Practice Suggestion: Have students group items into sets of 10 to visualize this idea.
4. Counting by 3s
Sequence: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30…
Applications In Real Life:
* The concept of triplets or triangular numbers. * Musical rhythms (3/4 time). * Scores in sports (3 point shots).
Advanced Skip-Counting Concepts
1. Counting Backwards
For example, count down starting from 50 > 45 > 40 > 35, etc., using -5’s. This will help you develop your subtraction skills and become more comfortable working with negative numbers.
2. Counting Larger Intervals
For example, count up by 25’s: 25 > 50 > 75 > 100, etc. You can think of this in terms of counting the quarters when using currency and learning percentages.
3. Counting in Non-Traditional Sequences
Count by 7’s: 7 > 14 > 21 > 28… This presents your students with the opportunity to be challenged via the use of different or non-traditional counting patterns.
By learning to skip-count, you can turn traditional counting into something meaningful within the context of mathematics. When you are able to skip-count, you will be able to:
* Achieve automatic recall of basic facts * Increase your self-confidence & comfort level in relation to numbers * Establish a solid base of multiplication facts * Develop an understanding of number relationships * Develop practical skills for use in your everyday life.