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How do I use sets of five to get more correct repetitions at home?
Chunk every target into sets of five and say them with a rhythm. Counting 20 sets of five feels easier than counting to 100, and the rhythm creates flow. Once the child gets five in a row slowly, push speed. Keep going until accuracy reaches 10 out of 10.
By Marcus Little · Last reviewed October 31, 2026
Why sets of five?
Counting 20 sets of five is easier than counting to 100. The rhythm of five creates a flow state, so the work feels less effortful for the child and for the parent running the drill.
What if the child struggles to focus?
Tap the five out on the child's fingers, with the hand flat on the table. The touch gives the set a clear start and end and keeps attention on the drill.
When should families push for speed?
Once the child produces five targets in a row slowly and accurately, start pushing speed. Keep training for accuracy until 10 out of 10 are correct, then train for speed. Follow the Golden Rule: accuracy first, then develop speed while keeping accuracy.
Quick answers
- How many repetitions is a full tally sheet?
- Twenty sets of five is 100 repetitions.
- When do I move from accuracy to speed?
- After five accurate targets in a row at a slow pace, begin pushing speed while keeping accuracy.