Counting forward is usually the first counting skill a child masters, and counting backward is the one that tends to be shaky, because the number names have to be held in reverse order. It is also the first step toward subtracting by counting back. On this grade 1 worksheet each line shows a short row of numbers that count down, with one number missing, and your child writes the missing number on the line.
The gap can be first, in the middle or last, so your child cannot just add one to the last number they see. Support sheets stay within 40, while standard and challenge sheets spend at least half of their rows counting back from the numbers between 101 and 120, down through 100. Say the row out loud together before writing.
What your child will learn
Count backward from any number within 120
Write the missing number in a row that goes down
Cross from one ten to the one before, such as 50 to 49
Get ready to subtract by counting back
Common Core standard: 1.NBT.A.1
Worked example
The row is 24, 23, ____, 21, 20. Each number is 1 less than the one before, so the missing number is 22.
Common mistake
Counting forward by habit and writing the number that is 1 more than the last number shown.
Helpful hint
Say the row out loud from the left, going down, and stop at the gap.