> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://edzo.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Counting Groups

> Learn how to use Counting Groups blocks to display grouped objects for counting and skip counting demonstrations.

The **Counting Groups** block displays groups of images with labels for counting and skip counting demonstrations. Use it to visually show grouping concepts, demonstrate counting patterns, or illustrate skip counting sequences.

This is a display block for teaching and demonstration. Learners can view the counting groups but aren't assessed on them.

> [!NOTE]
>
> For assessable counting activities where learners complete missing labels, use the [Counting Groups Question](https://edzo.mintlify.site/creating/resources/question-blocks/counting-groups-question) block instead.

## When to use Counting Groups blocks

Counting Groups blocks work well for:

* Demonstrating skip counting sequences (2s, 5s, 10s, etc.)
* Teaching grouping concepts visually
* Showing number patterns and relationships
* Providing reference examples before assessment questions
* Illustrating multiplication readiness concepts

## Settings

### Basic setup

**Count by** `number` (default: 5)

The number to count by for skip counting sequences (1–1000). Used with the generate labels action.

**Instruction** `text`

Custom instruction text to display above the counting groups (up to 1000 characters).

### Visual settings

**Layout** `select` (default: horizontal)

How the groups are arranged:

* **Horizontal**: Groups appear in a single row
* **Wrap**: Groups wrap to new lines when needed

**Label position** `select` (default: below)

Where labels appear relative to each group:

* **Below**: Labels appear under the groups
* **Above**: Labels appear over the groups

**Show dividers** `switch` (default: false)

When enabled, shows visual dividers between groups to make grouping clearer.

**Group spacing** `select` (default: medium)

The amount of space between groups:

* **Small**: Compact spacing
* **Medium**: Standard spacing
* **Large**: Generous spacing

### Groups

Create your counting groups by adding images and setting their properties:

**Image** `image`

The image to display for this group. Choose images that clearly show the quantity you want to represent.

**Image alt text** `text`

Descriptive text for screen readers (up to 200 characters).

**Item count** `number`

How many items this group represents (0–10,000). This can be different from the actual countable objects in the image if needed.

**Label** `text`

The text to display as the label for this group (up to 200 characters).

**Show label** `switch` (default: true)

Whether to show the label for this group.

### Quick setup

**Generate labels from count by** `action`

Automatically creates labels for all groups based on the "Count by" setting. For example, with "Count by" set to 5, this creates labels: 5, 10, 15, 20, etc.

## Tips for teachers and parents

**Best practices:**

* Use consistent visual groupings that clearly show the intended quantity
* Start with concrete objects before moving to abstract representations
* Choose images where learners can easily count or recognize the quantity
* Use the **Generate labels from count by** action to quickly create counting sequences
* Position labels consistently to avoid confusion
* Use appropriate group spacing to make groupings visually clear

**Creating effective displays:**

* For counting by 1s: Show individual objects clearly grouped
* For skip counting: Use groups of consistent sizes (e.g., groups of 5 for counting by 5s)
* For pattern recognition: Create visual rhythms with consistent spacing and sizing
* For comparison: Show different group sizes side by side

**Teaching strategies:**

* Start by having learners count individual items in each group
* Progress to counting the totals using the labels
* Connect to multiplication concepts by emphasizing equal groups
* Use as reference displays before moving to interactive questions
* Combine with verbal counting practice and gesture

**Extensions:**

* Follow up with related Number Frame or Array blocks
* Connect to written number patterns and sequences
* Use in combination with Counting Groups Question blocks for assessment
* Link to real-world examples of grouping (egg cartons, ice cube trays, etc.)

## Related blocks

* [Counting Groups Question](https://edzo.mintlify.site/creating/resources/question-blocks/counting-groups-question). Assessable version where learners complete missing labels
* [Number Frame](https://edzo.mintlify.site/creating/resources/learning-blocks/number-frame.md). Ten frames and number frames for structured counting
* [Multiplication Array](https://edzo.mintlify.site/creating/resources/learning-blocks/multiplication-array.md). Visual arrays showing equal groups


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