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Age 6 guide to counting in 2s 5s and 10s

Age-appropriate activities, explanations and practice ideas for counting in 2s 5s and 10s.

Quick answer

By the end of this page, you will be able to count in 2s, 5s, and 10s confidently, and use this skill to solve everyday problems like sharing snacks or counting money.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to:
  • Count forwards and backwards in 2s, 5s, and 10s from any number
  • Recognise patterns when counting in 2s, 5s, and 10s
  • Use skip counting to solve simple problems
  • Apply skip counting to real-life situations like sharing, money, and time

Why this matters

Skip counting in 2s, 5s, and 10s is a superpower that helps you count faster and understand numbers better. It's used in everyday life for counting money, telling time, sharing food, and even in games and sports. Learning this skill helps you get ready for multiplication tables later on, which makes maths even more fun!

How it works

Counting in 2s, 5s, and 10s means you jump by that number each time instead of counting one by one. Here's how it works:
  1. Start with any number
  2. Jump by 2s, 5s, or 10s each time
  3. Keep going to see the pattern
  4. Try counting backwards too

Examples you can see

Let's look at counting in 2s, 5s, and 10s with fun examples:

Counting in 2s

Imagine you're counting socks in pairs:
  • 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
  • Counting backwards: 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2

Counting in 5s

Think of counting fingers on your hands:
  • 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50
  • Counting backwards: 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5

Counting in 10s

Think of money or your age growing up:
  • 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100
  • Counting backwards: 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You're going on a treasure hunt with your friends. You need to find a hidden chest that's buried under a tree. The treasure map gives you clues using skip counting!
  • First clue: Start at the big oak tree and walk 2 steps forward each time. Count in 2s to find the first marker. What number do you land on after 5 steps?
  • Second clue: The second marker is 5 steps away, but this time you walk 5 steps each time. Count in 5s to find the second marker. What number do you land on after 4 steps?
  • Third clue: The final marker is 10 steps away, and you walk 10 steps each time. Count in 10s to find the treasure chest. What number do you land on after 3 steps?

Counting in 2s

  1. Start at 2
  2. 2 + 2 = 4
  3. 4 + 2 = 6
  4. 6 + 2 = 8
  5. 8 + 2 = 10

Counting in 5s

  1. Start at 5
  2. 5 + 5 = 10
  3. 10 + 5 = 15
  4. 15 + 5 = 20

Counting in 10s

  1. Start at 10
  2. 10 + 10 = 20
  3. 20 + 10 = 30

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to jump by the correct number
    • Why it happens: Kids might count 1, 2, 3, 4 instead of 2, 4, 6, 8
    • Fix: Use objects like counters or fingers to help count by groups
  • Mistake: Mixing up the patterns
    • Why it happens: Confusing 2s, 5s, and 10s patterns
    • Fix: Practice each pattern separately and use visual aids
  • Mistake: Not counting backwards properly
    • Why it happens: Only focusing on forward counting
    • Fix: Practice counting backwards the same way as forward

Parent and carer guide

Counting in 2s, 5s, and 10s is a key skill for children aged 6. Here's how to help:
  • Use everyday moments: Count stairs by 2s, 5s, or 10s when walking up them
  • Play counting games: Sing songs or use rhymes to practice skip counting
  • Count real objects: Use toys, fruit, or coins to show groups
  • Encourage practice: Let your child count aloud and correct mistakes gently
  • Be patient: It takes time to master skip counting, so celebrate small wins

What to say:

  • "Let's count how many shoes we have by 2s"
  • "Can you count backwards from 20 in 2s?"
  • "What pattern do you notice when we count in 5s?"

What not to worry about:

  • It's okay if your child counts slowly at first
  • Mistakes are learning opportunities
  • Don't compare with other children

Practice questions

  1. Count in 2s from 4 to 20. What numbers do you say?
  2. Count in 5s from 5 to 30. What numbers do you say?
  3. Count in 10s from 10 to 100. What numbers do you say?
  4. Count backwards in 2s from 18 to 2. What numbers do you say?
  5. Count backwards in 5s from 40 to 5. What numbers do you say?

Answers:

  1. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
  2. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
  3. 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100
  4. 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
  5. 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5

FAQ

What is skip counting?

Skip counting is counting by a number other than one. Instead of going 1, 2, 3, 4, you count by 2s, 5s, or 10s.

Why is skip counting important?

Skip counting helps you count faster, understand patterns, and prepares you for multiplication tables and division.

How can I practice skip counting at home?

You can practice by counting stairs, money, or objects in groups. Use your fingers, toys, or even jump rope to count in 2s, 5s, and 10s.

What comes after 20 when counting in 2s?

After 20, the next number when counting in 2s is 22.

How do I know if I'm counting correctly?

Check if the pattern makes sense. For 2s, all numbers should be even. For 5s, all numbers should end in 0 or 5. For 10s, all numbers should end in 0.