Mathematics
Strategy: Counting number spots
Appropriate Grade Level: pre K- 1st
Procedure/ Steps: Counting spaces is a strategy made by Number Worlds. This strategy is used for students
that are just learning their numbers and just beginning to grasp the concept of adding.
1) Set squares on the floor with numbers on them from 1-10.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2) The students then step on the numbers that are on the floor. When they count
they must move to the number they are counting to. They can count forward or
backwards.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Comments and/ or Tips: This strategy is supposed to help the student recognize the numbers and counting
from 1-10. You can use this game even after the students have learned numbers 1-10 and counted from 1-10
by having them add and subtract. You could say “You are standing on 6. What is the number if subtract 3?”
and the student could move back three steps and find the number, which is 3.

To make the strategy more useful, as the kids are moving from number to number, have them say
the number out load.

One idea to keep in mind is this strategy is not only good for visual learners but also kinesthetic and
auditory learners as well!
Cavanagh, S. (April 30 2008). Playing Games in Classroom Helping Pupils Grasp Math. Education Week.
27(35), 10.