Skip Counting By 2: Math - 1st Grade

Subject: Math

Grade: 1st Grade

Lesson Objective: Learn how to skip count by 2 sequentially using a lacing plate starting with the number 2. Skip counting lays the foundation for learning multiplication and learning to count quicker.

Common Core Standard: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.A.2: Count forward beginning from a given number within the known sequence (instead of having to begin at 1).

Materials:

• Tape
• Brightly colored paper plates
• Yarn
• Black Sharpie marker
• Single hole paper punch

Starter:

Say/Do:

Before class make a lacing plate for each student. Lay a plate flat on a work surface. In the center of the plate write a large 2 to signify that this is a "skip counting lacing plate by 2." You can create lacing plates for skip counting by 3, 4, 5, etc.

Think of the plate as a blank clock face. Take your marker and write the following numbers in this sequence clockwise ( 2 – 16 – 8 – 12 - 20 – 4 -10 -18 – 6 – 14). Start by placing the number 2 in the ribbed area of the plate where 12 is located on a clock face. Add the remaining numbers moving clockwise around the paper plate (16 – 8- 12. Etc.). Evenly space them and make sure there is at least an inch between the number you've written and the edge of the plate.

Note: decide before you start working on your first plate how high you want your students to skip count. This plate goes up to number 20 but you can go higher or lower if your wish.

Next, punch a single hole next to each number. Each hole should be at least ¾ inch from the edge of the plate.

Cut a length of yarn approximately one yard long for each plate. Tape one of the yarn end to the back of the plate.

Say: Today, we will learn how to count by skipping numbers using these special plates. We'll also be created a cool design on them with the yarn attached to the back.

Hold the plate you just made up to the class so they can see.

Main:

Say/Do:

Say: This is a skip counting lacing plate. See how I've written numbers all around the plate? We are going to skip count by 2. 

Point to various numbers.

Have the students say the numbers with you as you point to them.

Say: We have learned to count numbers starting with the number 1, then 2, then 3. This is called counting in sequence, one number after the other. But today, we're going to learn a new way to count.

Today we are going to learn to skip numbers. We are going to skip count by 2. That means we are going to count every other number.

Say: Let's start with the number 2. Find the number 2 on your plate and put your finger on it.

When your students have put their fingers on the number 2, hold up your plate and point to the number 2.

Say: Now, let's all lace our yarn through the hole next to number 2 (back to front). Pick up the end of your yarn and carefully push it through the hole next to the number two on your plate.

Walk around and make sure everyone has laced their yarn through hole number 2 successfully.

Say: If we skip the number that comes right after 2. Ask the students what that number is. Have them say number 3. If we skip number 3, what is the next number?

Have the students say number 4 and put their fingers on the number four.

Say: Let's lace our yarn through hole number 4. (front to back)

Check that the students have done this properly.

Say: If we skip the number that follows 4 and go to the next number, what number is that?

Have the students say 6.

Say: Let's lace our yarn through the hole next to number 6. (back to front)

Continue for the next 3 numbers in the skip count by 2 pattern.

Say: Now that we are at number 10 and understand how to count by skipping numbers, point to the number on your plate that comes next if we skip by 2 from the number 10.

Walk around the classroom and check the number each individual student is pointing to is number 12.

If some students have pointed to the wrong number, hold your plate up, point to the number 12, and explain how skipping the number 11 gives the correct answer – number 12. Have the students lace their yarn through the number 12 hole.

Continue testing the students with the remaining sequence of numbers until reaching number 20.

Say: We skip count by 2 by adding the number 2 to any number. What do we get if we add 2 to the number 2?

Wait for the students to answer.

Say: Point to the number 4 on your plate.

Check to see students are pointing to 4.

Say: What do we get if we add 2 to the number 4?

Ask them to point to the correct number on their plate (number 6). 

Say: Congratulations, you just skip counted by 2.

Have students slowly count 2 – 4 - 6 – 8 etc. If/when students give the wrong number or are confused, carefully explain again that adding 2 to the number you've given them will yield the correct answer.

Feedback:

Say/Do:

Say: What is a simple way to skip count by 2?

Wait for answers.

Say: I hope you've enjoyed learning how to skip count by 2. Don't forget to tell your parents you learned how to skip count in class today. You can take home your lacing plates and practice.

Say: Ask your parents to skip count by 2 using the lacing plate. Make it a game with them. If they get the numbers right, clap your hands to congratulate them. Make learning about skip counting fun for your whole family. 

When you get home, carefully pull the yarn out of all the holes or ask someone to help you.

Written by Ellen Hudovernik
Education World Contributor

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