Counting Forwards and Backwards

We often hear children counting numbers easily, but learning how to count backwards may be a little bit of a challenge.

I have been using various activities to   strengthen my students' counting backwards skills through songs, number line, number hops,  daily drill and the like. 

Then, it's time to take it outside using sidewalk chalk.We use sidewalk chalk to make a hopscotch game. My students jump on to numbers as they count loudly.For the older students you can start at 1-20 and the younger ones can start at 1-10. The rest of the class can count along as well.

 Another way to use sidewalk chalk would be to have the students create a number line in descending order. The older students can start at number 50 and the younger ones at number 20.This activity can work with both the younger  and the older students .  My students had fun jumping and counting at the same time trying to apply good body coordination. This hands-on activity allows the students to visualize counting forwards and backwards- a more meaningful and unforgettable learning experience.