Counting Beyond 20 – Number Train

Description

Support children to develop their ability to verbally count beyond 20 with this engaging train number line maths activity. The resource is designed to support children working towards the Early Learning Goal (ELG) of verbally counting beyond 20 and recognising the pattern of the counting system.

The activity also helps children begin to recognise numerals and use number names confidently beyond 20. The train provides a familiar and engaging context for children to practise counting aloud while developing their understanding of number order and the patterns within the counting sequence.

The resource can be laminated, with the train and carriages cut out to create a reusable number line. Children can practise ordering the carriages and counting along the train, encouraging them to say each number aloud as they move through the sequence.

To develop children’s reasoning skills, remove some of the carriages and ask children to work out the missing numbers. Encourage them to use the numbers before and after the gap, as well as the pattern of the counting system, to help them solve the problem.

The train can also be used as a practical number line. Ask children to step along the train as they count, providing a physical way to connect movement, number names and the counting sequence.

Children can practise:
Verbally counting beyond 20
Recognising numerals beyond 20
Ordering numbers
Using number names confidently
Recognising patterns in the counting system
Finding missing numbers
Developing number sequencing skills
Using a number line to support counting

Use the activity as part of a focus group maths session, continuous provision or classroom display. The laminated train can be revisited regularly to reinforce counting skills and help children become more confident with numbers beyond 20.

Adult questioning can extend the activity with prompts such as, “What number comes next?”, “Which carriage is missing?”, “How do you know?” and “Can you count backwards from this number?”

For an additional challenge, ask children to start counting from different points on the train rather than always beginning at 1. You could also ask them to identify the numbers immediately before and after a given numeral.

This engaging Early Years maths resource provides a visual, practical and active way to develop counting beyond 20 while supporting children’s recognition of numerals, number order and the patterns within the counting system.