What is skip counting? It is counting by skipping numbers. Using a pattern of addition greater than one, counting becomes more efficient. As early as children can count from 1-10, so too can they skip count.
If I were to skip count by 2's, I would begin with 2, 4, 6, 8, 10... Skip counting is also the basis for multiplication. You can see that the numbers are all multiples of 2 (the third number is 6 or 2x3). It is best to start with 2's. Explain to your child that these are the even numbers. They can be broken up into equal parts. Note that skip counting can start from any number. For example, using odd numbers to skip count by 2 would be 1, 3, 5, 7, 9... Next, introduce 5's: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30... and 10's: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100... Counting coins is a great visual way to introduce skip counting. Use two pennies for 2's, nickels for 5's, dimes for 10's, etc. It can also help children get started by putting the first few numbers to a familiar tune such as, "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Keep going and see how far your child can skip ahead.
As the basis of multiplication, even children as young as five can start to picture numbers grouped together and recognize numerical patterns. So, why is skip counting important? Not only does it teach math concepts such as addition, multiplication, and patterns, but it also enhances memory. Skip counting requires attention, focus, and access to long-term memory of how to skip count, short-term memory of which number was spoken last, and working memory to use that information to find the next number.
Skip counting is one of the foundations of the math curriculum at Academics Plus. Schedule your Math Checkup to tailor one-on-one sessions to your child's learning needs to fill gaps and challenge them to go to the next level.
Written by Lauren Ribner