Counting in 2s, 5s, 10s
This topic covers 3 learning steps, guiding your child from the basics through to confident problem-solving. Each step includes a worked example and adaptive practice questions.
What Your Child Will Learn
- Count in 2s
Count forward in twos - Count in 5s
Count forward in fives - Count in 10s
Count forward in tens
Common Mistakes
- Only being able to count in 2s, 5s, or 10s starting from 0 (struggling when starting from other numbers, e.g. counting in 5s from 3)
Practise starting skip counts from different numbers. Counting in 5s from 3 gives 3, 8, 13, 18 — the pattern still works, it just starts somewhere different. - Confusing skip counting with normal counting (e.g. when asked to count in 2s, counting "1, 2, 3, 4" instead of "2, 4, 6, 8")
Make it physical: take steps in 2s, clap on every 5th number, or put counters in groups of 10. The movement makes the "skip" clear.
Tips for Parents
- Count pairs of shoes in 2s, fingers in 5s, and toes in 10s — everyday objects make skip counting tangible.
- On walks, count steps in 2s together. When your child is confident, try starting from an odd number.
- Use a number grid (1-100). Colour every 2nd number, then every 5th, then every 10th. The visual patterns are powerful.
- Play "Buzz" — count normally but replace every multiple of 5 with "Buzz!" (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, Buzz!, 6...).
Key Words
- Skip counting — Counting forwards in equal jumps — like 2, 4, 6, 8 (counting in 2s).
- Multiple — A number you reach when skip counting — 10, 15, and 20 are multiples of 5.
- Pattern — A regular arrangement that repeats or follows a rule.
- Sequence — Numbers arranged in order following a rule.
Where This Fits
Before this topic: Children should count confidently to 100 in 1s and understand the number line.
After this topic: Skip counting is the gateway to times tables in Year 3 — "counting in 3s" becomes "the 3 times table."
How MathCraft Teaches This
In MathCraft, Counting in 2s, 5s, 10s is taught through the Geometry & Shape adventure track. Your child follows guided lessons with friendly characters, works through examples step by step, then practises with questions that adapt to their level.
The adaptive engine tracks mastery across all 3 steps, revisiting concepts your child finds tricky and advancing when they're ready. Parents can see detailed progress in the Parent Dashboard.
Practise Counting in 2s, 5s, 10s with MathCraft
Step-by-step lessons, worked examples, and adaptive practice — all wrapped in an adventure game your child will love.
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