I have a couple of students who continue to struggle with counting by 5s to 100... any ideas for games/practice other than counting using a # chart?
I use my hands and have them follow to make it more active. I hold my hands in a fist in front of my chest and open them/push them forward as I count each 5. It also reinforces the idea that there are 5 in each group (5 fingers on a hand).
Not an activity.. but my Kindergarten group used to love Jack Hartmann song "Count by5's." Helped them memorize it! He also has these for 10s and 2s.
When we first started learning counting patterns we turned it into a game. Before starting, we discussed the importance of trying our best, and that everyone makes mistakes sometimes. The children all stand up, and I move around the room, giving each child a chance to continue to number pattern. If they get it correct, they remain standing, and wait for me to come back around to them. If they make an error, they sit down. We keep continuing the number pattern, gradually going faster and faster until there's only a few children left standing. It's basically "Around the World". I find that the kids really look forward to playing this game, and are very motivated to try their best. It only takes a few minutes to play, you can use it as an incentive, and you'd be surprised to see how many children are motivated to go home and practice their counting patterns so they can do well in the game.
Once you've done the hands on activities, there's nothing like good ol' practice - every day. Every day count to 100 by 5's as a class. Sometimes I call it "counting by nickels". (For 10's I say counting by dimes) One day just chant it. Another day chant it while clapping. Another day do it to the tune of "twinkle twinkle little star"
