Can you count to 20? Today we will count forwards and backwards. Use your voice and your fingers!
Counting forwards
Start at 0 or at 1. Say each number in order. Each new number is one more.
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
The teen numbers can be tricky. Say them slowly: eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen.
Counting backwards
Start at 20. Each new number is one less. It is like a rocket!
20, 19, 18, 17 … 3, 2, 1, 0
Blast off! 🚀
Counting on and counting back
You do not always start at 1. Start at 6 and count on: 6, 7, 8, 9.
Start at 15 and count back: 15, 14, 13, 12.
Try it
TRY ITCount up to 20 and back
Tap a number to hear it. Tap Count up or Count down to count one step at a time.
Tap Count up or Count down.
Let’s practise
Try each one. Then tap Show answer to check.
1. Count on: 4, 5, 6, ___
Show answer
7, seven.
2. Count back: 12, 11, 10, ___
Show answer
9, nine.
3. What number comes after 19?
Show answer
20, twenty.
4. What number comes just before 14?
(a) 15
(b) 13
(c) 12
Show answer
(b) 13.
Quick check
Can you answer these by yourself?
1. Count back from 10. What is the last number you say?
Show answer
0, zero. Blast off!
2. Count on: 16, 17, ___, ___
Show answer
18, 19.
3. Say the numbers from 11 to 15.
Show answer
Eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen.
Maths words
Say these words with an adult. Can you use each one in a sentence?
count · forwards · backwards · count on · count back · before · after · next
Try it at home
- Count the steps as you go up. Count back as you come down.
- Do a rocket count from 20 back to 0. Jump up at zero!
- Clap and count to 20. Next time, start at a new number, like 8.
For parents and teachers
After this lesson, your child should be able to:
- count to 20, starting at 0 or at 1
- count back from 20 to 0
- count on and count back from a given number
The teen numbers and the step from 19 to 20 are often the tricky parts. Practise little and often, on the stairs, in the car or while waiting in line.
Previous: Sort, Match and Compare
Next: How Many? Counting to 10
Updates
2026/10/30
– First version of this lesson (draft).
Attributions to media used in this post:
Hopscotch with rock.jpg – Bethany Nowviskie – CC BY 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
© 2026 Vedesh Kungebeharry. All rights reserved.
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