What your learner will practice
Counting and number sense. First graders use drawings, objects, and number lines to understand small numbers and explain their thinking. Focus on accuracy before speed.
With addition in Grade 1, the goal is to build understanding and to explain the method, not just get a number. Take breaks and repeat short sessions when needed.
How to solve addition problems
- 1Start with the larger addend and count on, or group numbers by place value.
- 2Line up tens, hundreds, and ones when adding multi-digit numbers.
- 3Check by subtracting one addend from the total.
Common mistake to watch for
If the total is smaller than an addend, look again at the place values.
Try these six examples
Read each question, solve on paper, and then check the answer. The full printable sets below provide 20 new problems each.
- 2 + 12 = ______ Answer: 14
- 2 + 6 = ______ Answer: 8
- 10 + 4 = ______ Answer: 14
- 10 + 2 = ______ Answer: 12
- 3 + 6 = ______ Answer: 9
- 8 + 0 = ______ Answer: 8
Helpful teaching idea
Ask: Which two amounts are being combined? Draw a quick model if needed.
Use blocks or fingers first. Ask the learner to tell you how they know the answer, not simply to guess.