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 subtraction 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 subtraction problems
- 1Identify the starting amount and the part being removed or compared.
- 2Use counting back, a number line, or place-value regrouping.
- 3Check by adding your answer to the amount removed.
Common mistake to watch for
Watch for switching the starting number and the amount removed.
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.
- 11 - 9 = ______ Answer: 2
- 11 - 0 = ______ Answer: 11
- 7 - 0 = ______ Answer: 7
- 9 - 2 = ______ Answer: 7
- 7 - 7 = ______ Answer: 0
- 12 - 0 = ______ Answer: 12
Helpful teaching idea
Ask: What was there at the beginning, and what changed?
Use blocks or fingers first. Ask the learner to tell you how they know the answer, not simply to guess.