Same Math › Grades 1–3 › Skip counting
Why does skip counting matter?
Skip counting means counting by a number other than 1: 5, 10, 15, 20. It's the bridge between counting and multiplication, and second graders are expected to count by 5s, 10s and 100s.
- Each jump is the same size: 5.
- Six jumps of 5 land on 30.
- That's multiplication in disguise: 6 × 5 = 30
Why schools teach it
It's multiplication before it has a name
Second graders are expected to count within 1,000 and skip-count by 5s, 10s and 100s (2.NBT.A.2). Counting by 10s from a number like 23 (23, 33, 43) also builds place value.
In 3rd grade, skip counting becomes multiplication. A child who can count by 4s to 28 can find 7 × 4 by counting seven jumps.
At the kitchen table
What to say, and what to skip
Say this
Count by 5s with me. What comes after 35?
Can you start at 23 and count by 10s?
Only the tens digit changes. Kids love noticing that.How many jumps did it take to get to 30?
That's the multiplication fact.Can you count backward by 10s from 100?
Skip this
- Only ever starting at 0.Starting at 15 or 230 checks real understanding, not a memorized chant.
- Chanting without looking at the numbers.Point to them or write them so kids see the pattern.
- Stopping at 100.2nd grade goes to 1,000, especially by 100s.
See it in action
Using skip counting to find 7 × 4
Count by 4s
4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28Count the jumps
7 jumpsThe last number is the answer
7 × 4 = 28
Fingers help here: one finger per jump keeps track of how many.
Free practice sheet
Make a skip counting sheet
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Parents: tell your child's teacher about this guide
Parents also ask
Which should we practice first?
10s, then 5s, then 2s. Classes add 100s in 2nd grade and 3s and 4s in 3rd.
My child can chant to 100 by 5s. Is that enough?
Check by starting somewhere new, like 35, or counting backward. That shows real understanding.
How does this help with money?
Counting nickels by 5s and dimes by 10s is skip counting with coins.
Is it the same as times tables?
It's how many kids learn them. Each skip-count list is one times table.