1.NBT.1: Counting to 120

I can count to 120, starting at any number less than 120.

What Your Child Needs to Know

This standard focuses on helping your child count from 1 to 120 and start counting from any number less than 120. First graders also learn to read and write numerals and represent objects with written numerals.

This standard builds on kindergarten counting skills (usually to 100) and extends the range to 120. It prepares your child for place value understanding and larger numbers in second grade. Being able to count flexibly from different starting points helps develop number sense and mental math skills.

Real World Practice

Visual models and hands-on activities

Visual Models

1. Number Line

A visual representation showing numbers in sequence from 1-120, helping children see the pattern of counting.

2. Hundred Chart

A 10×10 grid showing numbers 1-100, with an extension to 120. This helps children see patterns in numbers.

3. Base-Ten Blocks

Physical blocks representing ones and tens that help children understand place value while counting.

4. Number Cards

Cards with numbers 1-120 that can be arranged in order or used to practice counting from different starting points.

Everyday Activities

1. Number Hunt

Look for numbers in your home or neighborhood (on mailboxes, pages, clocks). Have your child identify each number and count up from it.

2. Counting Collections

Gather collections of small objects (up to 120) and have your child count them. Sort them into groups of 10 to reinforce place value.

3. Number Line Hopscotch

Create a hopscotch grid with numbers from different ranges (e.g., 85-100). Have your child hop and count.

4. Counting Songs and Videos

Use songs and videos that count to 100 or beyond. Pause occasionally and ask your child to continue the sequence.

Quick Checks

Strategies and quick activities

Strategies When Your Child Struggles

1. Touch and Count

If your child skips numbers, have them touch each number on a number line or hundred chart as they count.

2. Start Small

If counting to 120 is overwhelming, break it into smaller ranges (1-30, 31-60, etc.) and master each range.

3. Focus on Transitions

Practice decade transitions (29 to 30, 99 to 100) which are often challenging for first graders.

4. Use Visual Aids

Keep a number chart visible where your child can reference it daily.

5. Count Backwards

If your child can count forward but struggles to start at different numbers, practice counting backwards to build flexibility.

5-Minute Practice Activities

Activity 1: Missing Numbers

Say a sequence of numbers with some missing: "101, 102, ___, 104, 105" and have your child fill in the blanks.

Activity 2: Count and Move

Have your child do jumping jacks while counting by 10s to 120, or hop while counting from 75 to 90.

Activity 3: Start in the Middle

Practice starting at random numbers: "Start at 47 and count to 60" or "Start at 88 and count to 100."

Activity 4: Number Writing

Have your child write numbers in sequence, focusing on proper formation of two-digit and three-digit numbers.

Check Progress

Track improvement

By the middle of the year, your child should:

  • Count to 100 by ones and tens
  • Read numbers up to 100
  • Write numbers up to 100
  • Represent numbers with objects

By the end of the year, your child should:

  • Count to 120, starting at any number
  • Read and write numerals up to 120
  • Represent a number of objects with a written numeral up to 120
  • Understand the counting sequence beyond 100

Mastery Signs

Your child understands this concept when they can:

  • Count forward from any number to 120 without errors
  • Write all numerals 0-120 correctly
  • Understand the patterns in the counting sequence
  • Represent quantities up to 120 with numerals
  • Apply counting skills in various contexts

Differentiation

Support for all learning levels

Below Grade Level

Practice problems focusing on counting to 50 and understanding number sequences with visual supports.

📥 Download Practice Worksheet

At Grade Level

Standard practice with counting to 120 from various starting points and writing numerals.

📥 Download Grade Level Worksheet

Above Grade Level

Advanced problems involving counting beyond 120 and exploring patterns in the number system.

📥 Download Challenge Worksheet