A Couple Quick Tips for Counting & Cardinality

I have a few kiddos this year who have really been struggling with counting and cardinality skills that were not mastered in Kindergarten.  Specifically, rote counting to 100 and identifying numbers to 20.  So, I've really been trying to connect with them every.single.day. for a quick practice session.  I've also really tried to use some creative approaches when working with these students, as I know that traditional approaches to mastering these skills have not been working.  Here are a few things that I tried this week to help these kiddos along in this area...

With kids who are having trouble remembering the "decade" numbers (40, 50, 60, etc.), I've given them this little tool to help them remember what comes next.  They touch a cube as they count numbers ending with 1-9, then when they get to the end of the cubes, they have a visual reference for what comes next. So far, it's been very helpful for them!

I've had to modify it a little bit for a student who tends to skip numbers.  (It's just dry erase marker on unifix cubes, so the marker easily comes off when we're done.)  Having the ending number on the cubes has helped her focus on the correct order and not skip around as much! :)

For my students who need practice identifying numbers through 20, I've been doing a couple different things.  One thing I've tried is just writing numbers randomly on a whiteboard, and having them either erase the number that I say, or cover it with a post-it note.  It's quick, easy, and the whiteboards make it fun!

What other tips & tricks should I try?  I'd love to hear what's worked in your room!