Count to and from 120
A clear starting point, worked steps and space to practise.
Start here
Count forwards or backwards by changing the number by one each time.
At a new ten, the ones return to zero. At 100, ten tens become one hundred.
1 Work through these steps
- Read the starting number.
- Choose forwards or backwards.
- Add one or take away one at each step.
- Check carefully when you cross a ten or a hundred.
2 Follow a worked example
Count forwards four numbers after 98.
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- After 98 comes 99.
- One more than 99 is 100.
- Continue: 101, 102. The four numbers are 99, 100, 101, 102.
3 Try it yourself
Show each step on paper or open Working out. Then check the answer.
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Count backwards three numbers after 102.
Check answer 1
Answer: 101, 100, 99
Take away one each time; after 100 comes 99.
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Working out
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Check your understanding
Explain the worked example in your own words. Say why the method works, not just what the answer is.
Skills and explanation links
Key ideas taught here
- Count forwards or backwards by changing the number by one each time.
- At a new ten, the ones return to zero. At 100, ten tens become one hundred.
Method and checking
For parents and teachers
- Ask your child to explain the method aloud before writing the answer.
- Use a real-life context at home, such as shopping, cooking, sport scores, maps or timetables.
- Praise clear working and checking, not only speed.
- Use counters, blocks, drawings and everyday objects before moving to written symbols.
Practise choosing a method from the information in the question. The examples here are Pi Leo Academy learning activities. Official NAPLAN testing takes place in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9; a topic appearing in these notes does not mean it is tested in NAPLAN.
These notes provide guided examples and practice; they do not certify completion of every curriculum requirement.