Unit Plan 21 (PreK Math): Count to 10—Anytime, Anywhere

Focus: Count to 10 from any starting number (1–9) in songs, claps, movement, and centers; build confidence with counting-on in playful routines across the day.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Mathematics (Counting & Cardinality—readiness)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Children practice saying number names in order to 10 and learn to start at numbers other than 1. Through chants, claps, steps, and quick center games, students feel how the “next number” continues the sequence no matter where they begin.

Essential Questions

• How do I keep the counting sequence going to 10?
• What does it mean to start at a number and count on?
• Which songs, claps, and tools help me remember what comes next?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Say number names in order to 10 during songs, games, and transitions.
2. Count on within 10 starting from any number 1–9 (with prompts as needed).
3. Use movement (steps, hops), claps, and number paths/cards to keep the sequence.
4. Join a partner or small group to call-and-respond the next numbers.
5. Self-check by pointing on a number path while they count.

Standards Alignment — Custom CCSS-style Pre-Kindergarten

• PK.CC.1 — Count to 10 (rote & meaningful). Says number names in order to 10 during songs, games, and routines. Aligns to: K.CC.1 (foundation).
• PK.CC.2 — Count on within 10 (from numbers 1–9). Begins counting forward from a number other than 1 (with prompts). Aligns to: K.CC.2 (emergent).
• Mathematical Practices: MP.1–MP.6 threaded (persevere; reason about “next”; model with movement/tools; use tools; precise words/gestures; notice sequence structure).

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can start at a number and count on to 10.
• I can use a number path or claps/steps to keep track.
• I can say what number comes next without going back to 1.