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Maths Adventures

Castle maths quest: counting

A story-led junior maths adventure using towers, walls and dragon-proof designs to count objects, compare amounts and spot missing numbers.

Quick answer

Counting is the first step to understanding numbers, and it helps you know how many things you have, compare amounts, and find missing numbers. In the Castle maths quest, you'll use counting to build towers, protect walls, and solve dragon-proof puzzles.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count objects in a group, compare how many things there are, and find missing numbers in a counting sequence. Success signs:
  • You can count up to 20 objects in a line or group
  • You can say which group has more or fewer things
  • You can tell what number comes next in a counting sequence
  • You can find a number that is missing from a list of numbers

Why this matters

Counting is the foundation of all maths. It helps you:
  • Build a strong tower with the right number of blocks
  • Know how many coins you have in your pocket
  • Compare your score to your friend’s in a game
  • Understand how many dragons you have to defeat
  • Plan how many bricks you need to build a wall
Whether you're playing Castle maths quest, sharing snacks, or measuring ingredients for a recipe, counting helps you make smart choices.

How it works

Counting is simple:
  1. Point to each object one by one
  2. Say the number as you touch each one
  3. Keep going until you've counted them all
  4. Check your count by starting again or using a different method
You can count in different ways:
  • One by one (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  • By twos (2, 4, 6, 8, 10)
  • By fives (5, 10, 15, 20)
  • By tens (10, 20, 30, 40)

Examples you can see

Example 1: Counting the blocks You are building a tower. You have 7 red blocks and 5 blue blocks. How many blocks do you have altogether?
  • Count the red blocks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Count the blue blocks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Now count all together: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
You have 10 blocks in total. Example 2: Comparing groups You have 8 dragons in your castle and your friend has 12 dragons.
  • You count your dragons: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Your friend counts theirs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Your friend has more dragons than you. Example 3: Finding a missing number You are counting your dragon eggs: 2, 4, 6, ?, 10.
  • You see the pattern: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
  • So the missing number is 8

Try it as a mini adventure

The Dragon’s Tower Challenge You are the castle builder in the Castle maths quest. Your job is to build a tower that can stand against the dragon's fire. But you must count everything carefully! Step 1: You have 5 red bricks. Step 2: You add 3 more bricks. Step 3: You need to check if you have enough to make 10 bricks in total. Step 4: You count them: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Step 5: You have 10 bricks! The tower is safe. Mini challenge: You are building a wall. You need to place 12 bricks in a row. You have placed 9 bricks already. How many more do you need to place? Answer: 3 more bricks.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting the same object twice or missing one.
    Why it happens: Not paying attention or not touching each object.
    Fix: Use your finger or a tool to point at each object once only.
  • Mistake: Saying the numbers out of order.
    Why it happens: Not knowing the number sequence.
    Fix: Practice counting forwards and backwards from 1 to 20.
  • Mistake: Getting confused when comparing.
    Why it happens: Not understanding "more" and "fewer".
    Fix: Use objects like blocks or toys to compare and match.
  • Mistake: Not knowing how to find a missing number.
    Why it happens: Not seeing the pattern.
    Fix: Look at the numbers before and after the gap to find the pattern.

Parent and carer guide

Counting is a skill that builds over time. Here's how you can help your child:
  • Count together when shopping: “We have 3 apples, 2 oranges, and 1 banana. How many fruits?”
  • Play counting games: “Count to 20, then count backwards from 10.”
  • Use everyday items: blocks, toys, or crayons to practice.
  • Notice when your child counts: “You counted 8 blocks, then 9. That’s great!”
  • Don’t worry if they skip numbers or make mistakes – it’s part of learning!
What to say:
  • “Let’s count that together.”
  • “Can you tell me how many you have?”
  • “What number comes after 7?”
What not to do:
  • Don’t rush or pressure them to count faster.
  • Don’t say “no, that’s wrong” – instead, guide them to try again.

Practice questions

  1. Count the number of stars in the sky: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. How many stars?
  2. You have 7 toys. Your friend has 4 toys. Who has more?
  3. Complete the sequence: 3, 6, 9, ?, 15.
  4. How many fingers do you have on one hand?
  5. Count backwards from 10: 10, 9, 8, ?, 6.
Answers:
  1. 6 stars
  2. You have more toys
  3. 12
  4. 5 fingers
  5. 7

FAQ

What is counting?

Counting is the process of saying numbers in order to find out how many things there are.

How do I know if I counted correctly?

Double-check by counting again or using a different method, like matching objects to numbers.

Why is counting important?

Counting helps you know how many things you have, compare amounts, and solve problems in daily life.

Can I count backwards?

Yes! Counting backwards is useful for subtraction and understanding number patterns.

What if I get confused when comparing?

Use objects like toys or blocks to match and compare. This helps you see which group has more or fewer.