The idea, step by step
Count one whole group at a time
When each group has two objects, you can count in twos. Three groups are counted 2, 4, 6.
Each number is the total so far. Touch one group each time you say the next number.
Choose a way that works
Groups of five can be counted 5, 10, 15. Groups of ten can be counted 10, 20.
For an unfamiliar group size, count every object or add one group at a time. You do not need to guess a times-table fact.
A common trap
Counting the groups but calling that the number of objects.
Instead: Three baskets is not three blocks. Count all the blocks inside the baskets too.
See the thinking
Count pairs
There are five trays. Each tray has two counters. How many counters altogether?
- Count one tray at a time.
- Say 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.
- The fifth count gives the total.
Groups of four
There are three baskets with four blocks in each. How many blocks?
- The first basket has four.
- Add four from the second basket to make eight.
- Add four from the third to make twelve.
Check your understanding
There are two packs of ten pencils. How many pencils?
Show answer
20 pencils.
Count ten for the first pack and twenty for both packs.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Four pairs of shoes contain how many shoes?
- Three bags each hold five counters. Find the total.
- Two boxes each hold ten crayons. Find the total.
- Four plates each have three grapes. How many grapes?
- Lily counts four groups of two as 2, 4, 6. What is missing?
- Three trays each hold four cups. Draw the groups and label the total.
Read the worked solutions
- Four pairs of shoes contain how many shoes?
Count 2, 4, 6, 8.
8 shoes. - Three bags each hold five counters. Find the total.
Count 5, 10, 15.
15 counters. - Two boxes each hold ten crayons. Find the total.
Count 10, 20.
20 crayons. - Four plates each have three grapes. How many grapes?
Count the grapes in each plate: 3, 6, 9, 12, or count all twelve.
12 grapes. - Lily counts four groups of two as 2, 4, 6. What is missing?
She must say one total for each of the four groups.
The fourth count, 8. - Three trays each hold four cups. Draw the groups and label the total.
4 and 4 make 8; another 4 makes 12.
12 cups.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum Mathematics
Practical Year 1 grouping and equal sharing with whole objects.
Official curriculum source ↗