How to Count Using a Grid

Learning to count with grids is even easier in a group or with a learning partner.

A counting grid is an easy and effective way to teach or learn how to count. A traditional grid consists of 100 squares numbered in order from 1 to 100. You can learn to count by using a grid and reading it, coloring it in or filling in the blanks.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet connection
• Printer
• Coloring pencils

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the look and the setup of a traditional numbered counting grid. You can either download and print a copy of one from the Internet or use one interactively online. The Apples 4 The Teacher website provides a 1-to-100 counting grid that you can view online or save to your PC and print. See the Resources section for a direct link.

2. Count the first 10 horizontal numbers on the grid. Begin in the top-left corner with "1" and follow the numbers across the line until you get to "10" in the top right. Similarly, count the last 10 vertical numbers on the right-hand side of the grid. Start in the top-right corner with "10" and work your way down to "100" in the bottom right

   These are the most important numbers you can learn because they combine with each other to make the rest of the grid: for example, "40" and "9" makes 49". If you are unsure how to pronounce each number, use the Learn English link as cited in the Resources section.

3. Reinforce your counting skills by playing the "Mend The Number Square" game on the BBC website. This particular game helps you count by removing certain numbers off the grid and then asking you to fill them back in. Use your memory of the counting grid to follow the numbers and determine which one fits in the missing space.

4. Visit the Primary Games Internet site as cited in the Resources section. This website gives you a completely blank grid with a selection of colors. Pick a selection of numbers (for example, every number that ends in 5) and fill in the specific squares with a color of your choice. Click on the squares where you think the numbers are and the website will reveal if you are right or wrong.

5. Save the above websites to your Internet browser's "Favorites" file. With one click you can access printable number grids, number counting games and grid exercises.

Tips & Warnings

• The Apples 4 The Teacher website also provides different grid sizes. For example, you can have a grid that counts in tens from 10--to-1,000 or a grid that just counts odd or even numbers.

Resources

• Apples 4 The Teacher: Printable Interactive 100 Number Chart
• Primary Games: Splat Square
• Learn English: Number Pronunciation
• BBC Schools: Mend The Number Square