One of our first grade skills is "skip counting". Now, that is just what the name suggests that it is. You are actually given permission to SKIP over numbers as you count. We practice many types of skip counting. Some are easier than others. Skip counting by 10's or 5's is pretty easy. But, if I ask the kids to skip count by 3's or 7's it gets a little tougher. Most of the time on tests a skip counting problem will look like this...
What is missing from this pattern?
10, 13, 16, 19, ___
Kinda tricky huh? I tell the kids that you can tell they are not regular counting. That means they are what!?!? SKIP COUNTING? Then, we need to find out what they are skipping. Simply take one of the examples they gave you. Maybe 10 up to 13 and see how many they are skipping. (Say 10....11, 12, 13! Their skipping three!) Then, you can see what would go in the blank by adding threes to each number.
It's a tough skill. But, it's one that will be around from here on out. I'd practice these at home if I were you. Good luck!
