What is Skip Counting and How to Teach It to Kids

Most children learn to count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 before anything else. But once they are comfortable with basic counting, the next big step is skip counting. Skip counting is a key math skill that makes addition, multiplication, and mental math much easier later on.

In this post, we will explain what skip counting is, why it matters, and how you can teach it to your child in simple and fun ways.

What is Skip Counting?

Skip counting means counting forward by a fixed number each time instead of counting one by one.

For example:

• Skip counting by 2:  2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12…
• Skip counting by 5:  5, 10, 15, 20, 25…
• Skip counting by 10:  10, 20, 30, 40, 50…

Instead of counting every single number, your child jumps by a set amount each time. This is called ‘skipping’ numbers in between.

Think of it like hopping on stepping stones across a river — you do not step on every stone, only every second one, or every fifth one.

Why is Skip Counting Important?

Skip counting is not just a fun trick. It builds the foundation for several important math skills.

1. It leads directly to multiplicationSkip counting by 2 is the same as the 2 times table. Skip counting by 5 matches the 5 times table. Children who are comfortable with skip counting find multiplication much easier to understand.

2. It speeds up additionInstead of adding 5 + 5 + 5, a child who skip counts by 5 can reach 15 instantly. This makes mental math faster and more accurate.

3. It strengthens number senseSkip counting helps children see patterns in numbers. Noticing that 5, 10, 15, 20 all end in 5 or 0 builds deeper number understanding.

4. It helps with counting large groupsSkip counting by 2 or 5 is much faster than counting one by one when dealing with larger sets of objects.

At What Age Should Kids Learn Skip Counting?

Most children are ready to start skip counting by age 5 to 6, after they can count confidently to 20 or 30. Here is a simple guide:

• Age 5 to 6: Start with skip counting by 2 and 10
• Age 6 to 7: Add skip counting by 5
• Age 7 to 8: Extend all three to larger numbers, then introduce skip counting by 3

Do not rush ahead. It is better to be very confident with skip counting by 2 before moving to 5 or other numbers.

How to Teach Skip Counting Step by Step

Step 1: Start With Skip Counting by 10 — The easiest place to start is 10 because children already know 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 from general number learning. Say the numbers together with your child and point to each on a number line.

Step 2: Move to Skip Counting by 2 — Once your child is comfortable with 10s, move to 2s. Explain: ‘We say every second number.’ Count on your fingers together — touch finger 1 and skip it, touch finger 2 and say it, skip finger 3, say finger 4.

Step 3: Introduce Skip Counting by 5 — The 5s are easy because every answer ends in 5 or 0. Use hands: one hand = 5, two hands = 10. Ask your child to count by 5 while you raise one hand at a time.

Step 4: Practice Daily With Short Drills — Spend just 3 to 5 minutes each day on one type of skip counting. Say the sequence together, then ask your child to continue it alone. Short daily practice is far more effective than long weekend sessions.

Step 5: Use Worksheets for Written Practice — Once your child can say the sequences, introduce written practice. Fill-in-the-blank and number-pattern worksheets help children recognise and complete skip counting sequences on paper.

Fun Ways to Practice Skip Counting at Home

Use a Number Line

Draw or print a number line from 0 to 50. Ask your child to circle every 2nd number (or 5th or 10th). This makes the pattern visible and helps them understand what ‘skipping’ looks like.

Clap and Count

Say the sequence together but clap on the skip-counted numbers and whisper the ones in between. For example, skip counting by 2: whisper ‘1’, CLAP ‘2’, whisper ‘3’, CLAP ‘4’. This helps the rhythm of the pattern stick.

Count Real Objects in Groups

Pair up coins, buttons, or small toys in groups of 2. Count the groups: ‘2… 4… 6… 8.’ Do the same with groups of 5. Making it physical reinforces the concept.

Use a 100 Number Chart

A 100-number chart is one of the best tools for skip counting. Ask your child to colour every 2nd number in one colour, every 5th in another, and every 10th in a third. The patterns that appear make skip counting visual and memorable.

Counting Songs

Songs and chants help children memorise skip counting sequences. Counting by 2s or 5s to a simple beat is a great car or bath-time activity. Many free videos are available on YouTube for this.

Play ‘What Comes Next?’

Call out a skip counting sequence and stop partway. Ask your child what comes next. For example: ‘5, 10, 15, 20… what comes next?’ This builds recall and confidence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not teach too many skip counting sequences at once. Stick to one until it is fully memorised before moving to the next.
• Do not skip the ‘why’. Explain to your child that skip counting is a faster way to count. Children learn better when they understand the purpose.
• Do not only practise verbally. Written practice helps children recognise the pattern on paper, which prepares them for school tests.
• Do not move to multiplication too soon. Let skip counting become automatic first. When it feels easy, the move to multiplication will feel natural.

Practice Resources

Support your child’s skip counting with our free printable worksheets:

• Skip Counting by 2 Worksheet
• Skip Counting by 5 Worksheet
• Skip Counting by 10 Worksheet

FAQ