This grade 1 numbers to 20 lesson explains counting and numbers to 20 in one printable page, with definitions, a method and a worked example.
Counting means saying one number for each object, in order, and stopping at the last object. The last number you say tells how many. Numbers to 20 are written as numerals like 7 and 15. A ten frame shows 10 spaces, so 13 is one full frame and 3 more counters.
Grade 1 Numbers to 20 Lesson: key facts
- Say one number for each object and count every object once.
- The last number you say tells how many objects there are.
- A ten frame holds 10 counters; 13 is a full frame and 3 more.
- One more is the next number; one less is the number just before.
- The words thirteen to nineteen end in teen.
How do you count objects?
Touch each object one time. Say the numbers in order: 1, 2, 3, and on. Do not skip an object. Do not count one object twice. The last number you say tells how many.
The last number you say is the total. If the last number is 12, there are 12 objects.
How do you read and write numbers to 20?
A numeral is a number written with digits. Every number also has a word name. Say the word, then write the numeral.
| Numeral | Word | Numeral | Word |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | zero | 11 | eleven |
| 1 | one | 12 | twelve |
| 2 | two | 13 | thirteen |
| 3 | three | 14 | fourteen |
| 4 | four | 15 | fifteen |
| 5 | five | 16 | sixteen |
| 6 | six | 17 | seventeen |
| 7 | seven | 18 | eighteen |
| 8 | eight | 19 | nineteen |
| 9 | nine | 20 | twenty |
| 10 | ten | 20 | twenty |
The words from 13 to 19 all end in teen. Say them out loud: thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen.
What is a ten frame?
A ten frame is a box with 2 rows of 5 spaces. It holds 10 counters. Put one counter in each space. When the frame is full, start a second frame.
How do you find one more and one less?
One more is the next number when you count up. One less is the number just before. On a number line, one more is one step to the right. One less is one step to the left.
How do you count a group step by step?
- Pick an object to start. Touch it and say 1.
- Touch the next object. Say the next number.
- Mark each object after you count it.
- When no objects are left, stop. Say the last number again.
- Write that number as a numeral.
Example: Maya counts 14 buttons in two rows. She touches every button once. Her last number is 14. She writes 14.
Counting and Numbers to 20: frequently asked questions
How do kids count objects to 20 correctly?
Have the child touch or move each object while saying one number. The last number said is the total. Moving counted objects into a new pile stops skipped or double counts.
How many counters fit in a ten frame?
A ten frame has 10 spaces, so it holds 10 counters. For numbers from 11 to 20, fill one frame first. Then put the extra counters in a second frame.
What does one more mean?
One more is the number that comes next when counting up. One more than 9 is 10. On a number line it is one step to the right.
What does one less mean?
One less is the number that comes just before. One less than 14 is 13. On a number line it is one step to the left.
How can children remember the teen number words?
Say them in a chant from thirteen to nineteen and match each word to a numeral card. Show each number on a ten frame too, so the word, the numeral, and the amount go together.
How to use this grade 1 numbers to 20 lesson
Use this grade 1 numbers to 20 lesson before the worksheet, then check what you learned with the quiz.
See every chapter on the Grade 1 math page.