CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.B.4
The standard
Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities; connect counting to cardinality.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Counting and Cardinality
What this standard means
Students need to count objects one at a time, say number words in the right order, and match each number word to one object. They also need to know that the last number said tells how many objects are in the group.
Mastery looks like a child counting a set once, without skipping or double-counting, then answering “How many?” without recounting. Students often get stuck when objects are messy, when they touch two objects while saying one number, or when they think counting faster means counting better.
Ways to teach it
- Have students count 10 buttons by moving each one from a full cup to an empty cup as they say each number.
- Ask, “How do you know there are 7 bears?” and have students explain using the last number they counted.
- Show 6 cubes in a line and ask each child to count them, then answer, “How many cubes are there?”
- Count snack crackers at lunch, then ask students to tell a partner how many crackers they have before eating.
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.B.4
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.5
Relate counting to addition and subtraction (e.g., by counting on 2 to add 2).
- CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.B.4a
When counting objects, say the number names in the standard order, pairing each object with one and only one number name and each number name with one and only ...
- CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.A
Know number names and the count sequence.
- CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.B
Use functions to model relationships between quantities.