---
title: "Counting forwards and backwards (age 6+)"
description: "Count forwards and backwards in tens from any number (not just multiples of 10)"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/counting-forwards-and-backwards-age-6-mt_OkSJfrmFb_
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/counting-forwards-and-backwards-age-6-mt_OkSJfrmFb_.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Counting forwards and backwards (age 6+)

Count forwards and backwards in tens from any number (not just multiples of 10)

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Counting & Cardinality · Ages 6 to 7
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/counting-forwards-and-backwards-age-6-mt_OkSJfrmFb_

## Ready when they can

- Count 7, 17, 27, 37 … from a non-multiple starting point
- Count backwards in tens from 83
- Explain the pattern of adding/subtracting 10

## Lesson: Counting forwards and backwards in tens

You already know that a two-digit number has a tens digit and a ones digit. Counting in tens uses that idea. Each time you count up or down by ten, only the tens digit changes. The ones digit stays exactly the same.

*(drawing: Every hop is 10 more: 7, 17, 27, 37. The ones digit stays 7 the whole time.)*

**Example.** Zara starts at 83 and counts backwards in tens. She says 83, 73, 63, 53. Each hop takes away 10, and the ones digit, 3, never changes.

**Tip.** Look at the tens digit and move that one up or down, one step at a time. From 37, forwards goes 37, 47, 57 (tens digit: 3, 4, 5). Backwards goes 37, 27, 17 (tens digit: 3, 2, 1).

**Recap.** Counting in tens moves the tens digit up or down by one each time, while the ones digit never changes.

## Practice

18 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Counting in 2s, 5s and 10s](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/counting-in-2s-5s-and-10s-mt_nvdpxAJTBG)
- [The two digits of a two-digit number](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/the-two-digits-of-a-two-digit-number-mt_THl9GLxwoL)

## Opens up

- [Counting forwards and backwards (age 9+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/counting-forwards-and-backwards-age-9-mt_tAtMET4EIU)