What does it mean to count shapes?
Counting means saying number names in order to find how many objects are in a group. A shape is a flat or solid form. In this lesson, you will count flat shapes, such as circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles.
When you count, give each shape one number. Count each shape once, and do not skip any shapes.
Point to each shape as you count: “One, two, three, four.”
The last number is four. There are four shapes.
Shapes do not have to look alike to be counted together. If the directions say to count all the shapes, count every shape you see.
Recognizing numerals from 0 to 5
A numeral is a written symbol for a number. The numerals 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 tell how many shapes are in a group.
- 0 means no shapes.
- 1 means one shape.
- 2 means two shapes.
- 3 means three shapes.
- 4 means four shapes.
- 5 means five shapes.
| Numeral | Shapes | Number word |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | None | Zero |
| 1 | One | |
| 2 | Two | |
| 3 | Three | |
| 4 | Four | |
| 5 | Five |
Look at the numeral, say its number name, and check how many shapes are shown.
Zero is a number even when the group is empty. Practice saying each number name while looking at its numeral.
Counting from 6 to 10
After five, the counting numbers continue in this order: six, seven, eight, nine, ten. Keep counting one number for each shape.
When you finish, the last number you say tells how many shapes are in the group.
Count these ten shapes from left to right.
Say, “One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.” There are 10 shapes.
Counting a group arranged in rows can help you keep track. Count each shape once, and remember that the last number tells the total.
Counting from 11 to 15
The next counting numbers are eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, and fifteen. These number names can sound alike, so say them slowly and in order.
For a group with more than 10 shapes, you can count the first 10 and then continue with 11, 12, and the numbers that follow.
Here are 12 shapes. Count the first 10, then count two more.
After counting 10 shapes, continue: “Eleven, twelve.” There are 12 shapes.
If you lose your place, start again at one and point to each shape. Going slowly is better than skipping a shape or counting one twice.
Counting from 16 to 20
The counting numbers continue with sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, and twenty. Twenty comes after nineteen.
When you count a group of 16 to 20 shapes, keep the numbers in order and give one number to each shape.
Count these 20 shapes. There are four rows with five shapes in each row.
The last number you say is 20, so there are 20 shapes.
Try counting one row at a time. Each row has five shapes, and four rows make 20 shapes altogether.
Counting zero shapes
Zero means none. If a group has no shapes, the number of shapes is zero, written as 0.
The box is empty. It has zero shapes.
An empty group is not a counting mistake. When there are no objects to count, the answer is zero.
Counting different kinds of shapes
Shapes can have different colors, sizes, and forms. If you are asked to count all the shapes, count every shape. If you are asked to count only one kind, count only shapes that match that kind.
Count all the shapes first. Then count only the circles.
There are 4 shapes in all. One of the shapes is a circle.
Listen carefully to the question. “How many shapes?” and “How many circles?” ask for different answers.
Counting shapes in different arrangements
The number of shapes in a group stays the same when the shapes are moved, spread out, or arranged in a different way. Count the shapes, not the spaces between them.
Each group has three circles, even though the circles are arranged differently.
Do not count a shape more than once because it is close to another shape. Point to each shape once as you count.
Matching a numeral to a group of shapes
Match a numeral to a group that has the same number of shapes. First read the numeral, then count the shapes to check whether they match.
The numeral 4 matches the group because the group has four squares.
If the numeral and the number of shapes do not match, count again and choose the correct numeral.
Remembering that the last number tells how many
When you count a group correctly, the last number you say tells how many objects are in the group. This idea is called cardinality.
You counted, “One, two, three, four, five.” The last number was five, so there are five shapes.
After counting, ask yourself, “How many shapes are there?” Say the last number again to tell the total.
Checking your count from 0 to 20
Use this routine to count carefully:
- Look: Find the shapes you need to count.
- Point: Point to one shape at a time.
- Count: Say the number names in order, starting at one when objects are present.
- Tell: Say how many shapes there are.
- Check: Make sure you did not skip a shape or count a shape twice.
If the group is empty, say zero.
Count the six shapes below from left to right.
Say, “One, two, three, four, five, six.” There are six shapes.
Practice counting real objects, drawings, or shapes on a screen. Take your time and point to each object as you say its number.
Notes for teachers
This resource is designed to provide clear explanations, examples, and practice for learners of different needs and levels of support. It may be used for whole-class instruction, guided practice, independent learning, review, homework, or additional reinforcement at home.