Prove
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Learning

Counting & Number Sense

6 weeks · 3 milestones

Master counting, place value, comparing numbers, and early number relationships for grades K–1. Proof: 80%+ on Khan Academy Early Math or Kindergarten/Grade 1 Math course mastery meter (screenshot showing your name), or a teacher-graded number-sense test scoring 80%+.

Milestone map

Milestone map

3 milestones

Count and write numbers to 30

1–2 weeks (15 min/day)

Practice counting objects, writing numerals 1–30, and identifying numbers out of order. A parent or teacher sets out groups of objects (blocks, buttons, coins) and confirms the count is correct. The goal is reliable one-to-one correspondence — knowing that each object gets exactly one count.

Proof required

Submit a photo of a number chart or worksheet showing numbers 1–30 written in your handwriting, with a parent or teacher note confirming you can count the matching number of objects for any number they point to.

What gets checked

  • Numbers 1–30 written legibly, in correct order
  • Parent or teacher confirms one-to-one counting — not just recitation, but pointing to each object while counting
  • Able to count a random set of up to 20 objects correctly when asked

Common mistakes

  • Reciting number words without pointing to objects — rote sequence without one-to-one correspondence
  • Skipping numbers in the teens (11–19 are the hardest to count reliably) — extra practice needed here

Resources

Foundationstart here

Depthgo deeper

What a verifier looks for

  • Ask the student to count a set of 12–18 random objects — not by recitation, but by pointing to each one
  • Point to any numeral between 1 and 30 and ask the student to say its name
  • Confirm the written number chart shows numerals (not just words) in the correct sequence

Compare numbers and find patterns

1 week (20 min/day)

Learn to say which of two numbers is bigger or smaller, use the words 'more than,' 'less than,' and 'equal to,' and continue simple patterns (e.g. 2, 4, 6, 8, ___). A parent or teacher gives short oral quizzes: 'Which is more — 7 or 12?' and 'What comes next — 5, 10, 15, ___?' The goal is understanding that numbers have order and value, not just names.

Proof required

Submit a photo of a completed worksheet or handwritten exercise with at least 10 comparison problems (greater than / less than / equal) and 5 pattern problems, with a parent or teacher note confirming all answers are checked.

What gets checked

  • 8 of 10 comparison problems correct without prompting
  • Patterns extended correctly at least 3 steps into the sequence
  • Uses the terms 'more than,' 'less than,' and 'equal to' correctly when explaining answers aloud

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'greater than' and 'less than' because of the symbol direction — focus on the language ('which is more?') before introducing symbols
  • Memorizing pattern continuations without understanding the rule — ask 'what is the rule for this pattern?' to check

Resources

Foundationstart here

Depthgo deeper

What a verifier looks for

  • Quiz verbally: 'Which is bigger — 9 or 14?' and 'Which is smaller — 6 or 3?' — check 5 pairs
  • Give a pattern and ask them to continue it 3 more steps: '1, 3, 5, ___, ___, ___'
  • Ask them to explain a comparison: 'How do you know 14 is more than 9?'

Pass Kindergarten Math assessment at 80%

2–4 days (consolidation)

Complete the Khan Academy Kindergarten Math unit and reach 80% mastery across counting, comparing, and simple number sense exercises. A teacher-graded test at 80% or above is also accepted. This is the level gate — reaching 80% confirms readiness for Level 2 (Addition and Subtraction).

Proof required

Submit a screenshot of your Khan Academy Kindergarten Math course progress showing 80% or above (or a photo of a teacher-graded test on counting, comparing, and number patterns scoring 80% or above). Your name must be visible.

What gets checked

  • 80% or higher mastery shown in the Khan Academy course summary (not just a single exercise)
  • If teacher-graded: score shown on a paper test with teacher's name or initials and date
  • All content covered: counting to 30, comparing numbers, simple patterns — not just one topic

Common mistakes

  • Stopping at 70% because it 'feels close enough' — 80% is the gate; re-practice the topics marked as incomplete
  • Taking the screenshot on a single exercise rather than the full course summary — the summary shows overall mastery across all topics

Resources

Foundationstart here

What a verifier looks for

  • Open the Khan Academy Kindergarten Math course page with the student — confirm it shows 80%+ in the course mastery meter
  • If teacher-graded: check the test covers at least counting, comparing numbers, and patterns — one topic alone is not sufficient
  • Confirm the name visible on the screenshot or test matches the student submitting

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