CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.B.4b
The standard
Understand that the last number name said tells the number of objects counted. The number of objects is the same regardless of their arrangement or the order in which they were counted.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
What this standard means
Students need to count a set of objects and know that the last number they say is the total. They also need to understand that moving the objects around does not change how many there are.
Mastery looks like counting once, saying the total without recounting, then trusting that total after the same objects are spread out, lined up, or counted from another direction. Students often get stuck by recounting every time, skipping objects, counting one object twice, or thinking a longer row means more objects.
Ways to teach it
- Give each student 8 counters, have them count, rearrange into a circle, and tell how many without recounting.
- Ask, “If I count these bears starting with the blue one, will the total change? Why or why not?”
- Show 6 cubes in a messy pile, ask students to count and write or say the total, then explain the last number.
- Use snack pieces at the table, count them, spread them out, and ask if the number of snacks changed.
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.B.4b
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Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.B
Count to tell the number of objects.
- 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.K.CC.B.4c
Understand that each successive number name refers to a quantity that is one larger.