Number Sense Routines in Kindergarten, First and Second Grade: Circle Counting

This number sense routine for kindergarten, first and second grade is an easy and effective one to implement! In this video, I share how to play, ways to differentiate, when I like to use this number sense routine, and some tips for teacher talk during the activity! This is video 1 of a 4 part series on number sense routines. As I add the other videos, I will link them below:

If you happen to use any of these ideas at home or in your classroom, leave a comment below and let me know how they go! :) Also, if you share any of the games from Susan's Sunday Spotlight, please tag me on Instagram @susanjonesteaching so I can see!! You can also use the hashtag: #susanssundayspotlight​

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Happy teaching,
Susan Jones

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[Mplatz]

I've read this book a few years ago, and it has so many great activities! I've also used the circle counting activity, though I needed to use it more. Kids loved it and it's a great number sense routine. I would keep the 120 chart up when I have a few students that needed this support. As they got stronger with understanding what comes next, I would take it down.

[lavernhollis]

Good morning. Thank you for your sharing heart. I missed being able to use many of your ideas last year with the social distancing guidelines my school had in place. I look forward to trying these new ideas you are sharing in this coming year. Have an awesome day.👍

[susanwired]

Wonderful video! This seemingly simple activity is very rich. I’m going to definitely use the idea of having kids gather on the rug and join the activity that is already going on. I particularly loved the teacher talk. Writing the numbers down ... so powerful, and the students are the ones who generate them so there is so much buy-in because they are “their” numbers! Agency! Thank you, from one Susan to another.

[lorivice]

I LOVE these ideas! Thank you so much for sharing!

[MsChyou]

Loving all your videos! I haven’t watched the ‘buzz’ video yet but a variation on circle counting that Kinders and 1s love is to pick a number ex 50 and practice counting by 10s to 50…whoever says 50 has to sit down and then start again…continue around and around until only one person is left standing. I find the kids who are ‘out’ really start working hard to try to figure out who will be out next.

[lettysiqueira]

Wonderful ideas. I’m definitely gonna try them on my post-pandemic 3rd graders. They need the extra practice and they love math games.

[wanderingmotherearth]

Hi Susan I am new to your subscription list!! I wanted to say a huge thank you, my little one is four years of age and I have searched for “help” as I am preparing her for kindergarten. Do you have any preschool tips as well as learning segments?
Thank you!

[juddnielsen]

Good morning Susan! This is my first year teaching first grade, and I must say I love your videos! You have given me so many great ideas. I'm actually an 11th year teacher, but am making the transition from the special education world into the general education environment.

I wanted to pick your brain about circle counting and number sense routines. What is the best practice in terms of helping to support some kiddos who might not have a great understanding on number sense during circle counting? I want these kiddos to feel included during number sense, but I'm looking for feedback in how to support them in being successful, and ways I can positively correct them if they routinely don't know what number is coming next? Does this make sense?

I have done things like given them a 100's chart and having them follow along as we skip count, sit them next to a teacher buddy, etc. Some of these are still not working. I'd appreciate your feedback! Thanks!

[carencasriel]

Hi Susan. Great ideas!! I also do lots of counting & recording. When we record, it's called "Choral Counting." It's awesome and the kids search for patterns. I used it a lot this year and my kids progressed quickly with skip counting. The book Choral Counting & Counting Collections by Fanke, Kazemi & Turrou is excellent!!

[kathybeamon]

Hi Susan! I am new to your channel and absolutely loving it! I wanted to see if you have a video explaining your penny pouch management system.We’ve been only using bills on our first grade team. The kids really need to be learning their coins and counting them and this is a great way to have daily/weekly practice .
Thanks, Kathy

[Teacher-Em]

I am in love with all your activities 😍

[robynshore]

Hi Susan Great PD Thank you. I clicked on the link for Number 2 and it says private?

[gingerdillard]

I realize this is the MOST ridiculous comment lol Does anyone know what kind of dog is in the beginning? My kiddos saw one like that and wanted it but I couldn’t figure out what it was😊🤷‍♀️

[syedfaizanimran]

Better to give examples in written rather verbally