Counting On/Back? What is it?

'Counting On' is an addition strategy. When students are using 'Counting On', to join two numbers, the student begins counting at one of the given numbers and continues to count on until they have counted as many as the second number. Sometimes students will model the first number on their hand for example, holding up their fingers first  and counting on. 'Counting Back' looks the same but is used when students are subtracting.

Students could be encouraged to start using this strategy once they are joining two numbers and able to use 'Counting Three Times'. Counting On is being able to "hold" a quantity in their head and then add on to it. Students start with one of the addends and count on by ones until the second addend is reached. Once the student has grasped counting on then the next step would be to focus on efficiency with this strategy which leads into counting on from the larger amount and identifying that Counting On is only effective if your adding 1, 2, 3, 4 to a number (no higher amount).

Supporting Students Using Counting On/Back:

Being able to start counting at any number is important because it shows how well a student understands numerical order. When developing questions to support your students using the strategy of counting on, keep one of the numbers small, to encourage success. If you notice a student counting both numbers, try covering one number and posing the question “Can you count from __?” or “So how many are here?” You can reinforce the Counting On strategy by using a variety of manipulatives such as dominoes, linking cubes, ten frames, and number lines. For more game and activities ideas, refer to What to Look For (page 162).

Where to Next?

If students are using this effectively, make sure students are ‘Counting on from the larger number.’ Students can also be guided to use the ‘Five or Ten anchor’ or using near doubles.

Games & Activities to Support Counting On/Back:

Looking to learn more? Check out the recorded session!