Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Counting in 8s Worksheet for Year 3 (Free Printable)
- ForYear 3 (Free Printable)
- StageKey Stage 2
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Counting in 8s is a free printable worksheet for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8). It has 18 questions in three steps, then a challenge question. Children practise counting in steps of 8 from 0, which is a key part of the Year 3 maths curriculum. Page 2 gives the grown-up the answers, help ideas and a stretch task.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages on A4, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children count in steps of 8 through 18 short questions, grouped into three steps, and then try a challenge question at the end. Each question is focused on one idea, so children can concentrate without feeling swamped. There is space to write each answer. Children can say the numbers aloud, point along a number line and look for patterns as they work.
How the sheet builds skills
Three steps
The questions are grouped into three steps. This lets children settle in before they move on, and lets an adult see where a child feels sure and where they need more time.
Saying the count
Counting aloud helps numbers stick. Children hear the rhythm of the sequence, which makes it easier to spot a number that does not belong.
Spotting patterns
Counting in equal steps makes a pattern. Noticing how the numbers change from one to the next builds number sense and helps with checking answers.
A challenge to finish
The challenge question asks children to think a little harder. It is a good moment to ask them to explain how they worked it out.
Why count in 8s?
Counting in steps of 8 is the same as saying the 8 times table in order. In Year 3, children in England count from 0 in multiples of 4, 8, 50 and 100. Counting in equal steps is the first stage in learning times tables, so this sheet is useful practice before children try to recall multiplication facts.
Eight is double four, so counting in 8s links closely to counting in 4s. Every number you reach in 8s is even, and the ones digits follow a pattern that children can learn to spot. Seeing these links makes the sequence feel less like a list to memorise and more like something that makes sense.
Skills and curriculum link
- Counting in steps
- Multiples of 8
- Number patterns
- Number sense
- Explaining thinking
Handy ideas for counting in 8s
- Use a number lineMark jumps of 8 along a line. Seeing each jump helps children keep track of where they are.
- Add 10, take away 2Adding 8 is the same as adding 10 and then taking away 2. This can be easier when the numbers cross a ten.
- Think of doublesEight is double four. If children know their 4s, they can use that to check their 8s.
- Look at the ones digitsWatch the last digit of each number as you count. The ones digits repeat in a pattern, which helps children spot a slip.
Key words
- MultipleA number you reach when you count in equal steps from 0. Multiples of 8 are the numbers in the 8 times table.
- Count onStart at a number and say the next numbers in order, adding the same amount each time.
- SequenceA list of numbers that follows a rule.
- PatternSomething that repeats or changes in a way you can predict.
- Even numberA number that can be shared into two equal groups with none left over.
- Number lineA line with numbers in order. Children jump along it to count.
How to use it
- Print both pages on A4. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the answers and notes.
- Warm up by counting aloud in 8s together. Point to the numbers on a number line as you say them.
- Work through the first few questions together. Ask your child to explain how they know each answer.
- Let them continue alone, then check together with page 2. Praise the thinking as well as the correct answers.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar sheet builds confidence and speed.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Say the numbers out loud and point to them on a number line. Draw jumps of 8 with a pencil. Try adding 10 and taking away 2 for each jump. Do a few questions at a time and come back to the rest later.
To stretch confident children
Try the challenge question at the end. Then write three similar questions of your own for a friend to answer. Check their answers together. You could also compare counting in 8s with counting in 4s and say what you notice.
Make it a game
Take turns to count in 8s round a table. Each player says the next number. If someone gets stuck, the group helps. Then try counting backwards, or clap on every number you say aloud.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child loses track after crossing a ten and says a number that is too high or too low.
Try thisShow the jump on a number line. Try adding 10, then taking away 2, and say each new number aloud.
Watch forA child counts in 8s but starts from 1 instead of 0, so every number is one out.
Try thisRemind them that counting in multiples starts from 0. Say 0 aloud first, then count on in jumps of 8.
Watch forA child slips into counting in 10s or 4s halfway through the sequence.
Try thisPause and say the rule aloud: add 8 each time. Check the ones digits and compare the sequence with a number line.
Talk about it
- How do you know what comes next in the count?
- What do you notice about the numbers when you say them out loud?
- Can you find a quicker way to add 8?
- How is counting in 8s like counting in 4s?
- Which question was trickiest, and why?
- Can you make up a counting in 8s question for me?
Take it off the page
Number line jumps
Draw a long number line on the pavement with chalk, or on a roll of paper. Hop in jumps of 8 and say each number as you land.
Counting with objects
Group buttons, pasta shapes or building bricks into sets of 8. Count the sets and say the total each time you add a new set.
Clap and count
Clap a steady beat and say the multiples of 8 on the beat. Make it louder on each new number and see if you can keep going without a mistake.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first few questions, then let them lead. Short sessions work best. If they get stuck, say the numbers aloud together and point along a number line.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task or homework. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 has support and stretch ideas, so it suits mixed ability groups.
Home educators
Use it alongside books, outdoor play and everyday talk. It is free to print again for brothers and sisters, or for revision a few weeks later.
Where counting in 8s fits
Before this, children count in steps of 2, 3, 5 and 10 in Key Stage 1. They learn that counting in equal steps follows a pattern. Counting in 8s builds on that and asks them to hold a bigger step in mind.
After this, children learn to recall the 3, 4 and 8 times tables in Year 3, and move on to all tables up to 12 by 12 in Year 4. Fluent counting in 8s gives them a strong base for those multiplication facts.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Counting in 8s for?
It is written for Year 3 (ages 7 to 8), in Key Stage 2. Younger children who count confidently in 2s, 5s and 10s may be ready to try it with help, and older children can use it as revision.
- What will children practise?
They practise counting in steps of 8 from 0 with short, focused questions. This builds knowledge of multiples of 8, number patterns and number sense, and prepares children for learning the 8 times table.
- How do I use it?
Print both pages on A4. Give page 1 to the child and keep page 2, which has every answer, for the adult. Work through the first questions together, then let your child try alone.
- What if it feels too hard?
Slow down and make it more visual. Say the numbers out loud and point to them on a number line. Do a few questions at a time, and come back to the rest on another day.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or revision, and black and white printing works well.
- Is it suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 has help and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
- Is this a screen free activity?
Yes. It needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays. Home educators and tutors can also use it on its own or as part of a wider plan.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.