Counting on means starting at a number other than one and counting forwards. In class, the kids chose random numbers using dice or numbers written on slips of paper. They had to count from that number all the way to 20, 30, or 50.
Once they got the hang of counting on, we used that concept to helps us add objects together. In the picture above, the boys counted 17 crayons and wrote down 17 so they wouldn't forget. Then they placed four more crayons on the tray. They had to add them up by saying, "17...18...19...20...21...There are 21 crayons now." Counting on helps us count faster, and eventually helps us do mental math.
You can do these same activities at home, or while out and about. Just ask one of the questions listed above, and help your child figure out the answer. Grab some items you have at home (crayons, socks, buttons, even toy cars) and practice adding on. If your child can master this one little skill, they will be ready to soar into more complex math concepts. Keep practicing!
Scroll down to see some more pics of the kids counting on, as well as another Harry Kindergarten video that teaches how to count by 2's, 5's and 10's. Happy counting!