Maths Library

Counting and Number Names to 20: Grade 1 math

This topic covers one-to-one correspondence, numeral recognition, and writing number words up to 20. Pupils practise counting structured sets of objects, filling in missing numbers in sequences, and matching digits to their written names.

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What this covers

Counting and Number Names to 20 is taught in Grade 1 (age 6 to 7) as a main teaching focus. It sits in the Number strand.

Worked example

Count the stars and write the total as both a numeral and a word: × * × * × * *

  1. Count each star one by one: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
  2. Write the digit: 7.
  3. Write the matching word: seven.

Answer: 7 (seven)

Difficulty scale

The sheet generator offers five difficulty settings for this topic.

  1. Counting objects and matching numerals up to 5
  2. Counting structured sets and reading number words up to 10
  3. Finding missing numbers in forward sequences up to 20
  4. Writing number words from numerals between 11 and 20
  5. Counting backwards from 20 and matching mixed representations

Common mistakes

  • Skipping numbers in the tricky teen sequence (e.g., jumping from twelve straight to fourteen)
  • Writing reversed digits such as confusing 12 and 21

Curriculum links

Indicative matches to Common Core State Standards. Check wording and codes against the official document.

  • 1.NBT.A.1 Count to 120 starting at any number, and read and write numerals within this range.

Sample sheet and answers

Six questions at the level's usual difficulty. Open the editor to change, add or regenerate any of them.

Counting and Number Names to 20

Grade 1 math

Qs
6
Marks
12
NameDateScore / 12
1.
Count back: 19, 18, 17,
[2]
2.
Count back: 18, 17, 16,
[2]
3.
How many dots are there?
[2]
4.
Count back: 17, 16, 15,
[2]
5.
How many dots are there?
[2]
6.
Count back: 20, 19, 18,
[2]

Answer key

  1. 16Each number is 1 less; 17 then 16
  2. 15Each number is 1 less; 16 then 15
  3. 17Count each dot once: 17
  4. 14Each number is 1 less; 15 then 14
  5. 5Count each dot once: 5
  6. 17Each number is 1 less; 18 then 17