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 number patterns 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 number patterns problems
- 1Compare neighboring terms to discover what changes.
- 2Test the rule on the next two terms.
- 3Write the missing terms and describe the rule in words.
Common mistake to watch for
Check more than one step before deciding on a rule.
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.
- Continue: 19, 22, 25, _____, _____ Answer: 28, 31
- Continue: 14, 16, 18, _____, _____ Answer: 20, 22
- Continue: 5, 15, 25, _____, _____ Answer: 35, 45
- Continue: 20, 22, 24, _____, _____ Answer: 26, 28
- Continue: 11, 16, 21, _____, _____ Answer: 26, 31
- Continue: 8, 11, 14, _____, _____ Answer: 17, 20
Helpful teaching idea
Have the learner make a new pattern for a family member to finish.
Use blocks or fingers first. Ask the learner to tell you how they know the answer, not simply to guess.