Math

First Grade Math Practice at Home

In first grade, we focus on building strong number sense and automaticity with numbers up to 20. Practicing math at home helps students gain confidence and fluency in key skills like addition, subtraction, and counting.

Here are some simple ways to support your child at home:

Math Facts Practice: Use flashcards or apps to practice addition and subtraction facts within 20.
Counting On Strategies: Encourage your child to “count on” from a given number instead of starting over. For example, for 7 + 3, start at 7 and count up 3 more.
Everyday Math: Count objects around the house, measure ingredients while cooking, or keep score in games to reinforce number skills.
Short, Frequent Practice: Even 5–10 minutes a day can make a big difference in developing fluency.

Consistent practice helps students become confident, independent mathematicians who can solve problems quickly and accurately.

Unit Three: More Addition and Subtraction Situations

Solve for a missing addend given an addend and the sum.
Solve a subtraction equation to find the missing part.
Solve a subtraction equation to find the whole.
Solve compare word problems when given how many more.
Solve compare word problems when given how many fewer.
Find the missing addend that makes 10.

Helpful Resources for Unit Three

When using comparison bars / bar model, the second blank space is also the "more than/less than" space. This will help get students in the routine of solving each problem when they can find the number that goes in that space.

Unit Two: Fluency & Strategies within 10

Add 0
Subtract 0 and Subtract All
Add and Subtract 1
Add Doubles from 1 to 5
Use Doubles
Add in any order
Count On to Add
Count Back to Subtract
Use Addition to Subtract

Counting On: What does that mean and how to understand Counting On

Unit One: Addition and Subtraction Situations

Addition: Add to
Solve Add to and Put Together problems
Solve Put Together problems with Both Addends Unknown
Solve Take From problems
Solve/Compare Problems: More, Fewer
Solve Add To problems with Change Unknown

Big Ideas Math Program

Math
In first grade, students will grow their understanding of numbers in big ways—working with place value all the way up to the hundreds! They’ll practice solving word problems that connect to real-life situations, like length and measurement. Our mathematicians will strengthen their addition and subtraction skills, learning to fluently add and subtract within 20 and work confidently with numbers up to 100. Students will also begin exploring fractions, shapes, and geometry, building a strong foundation for future math learning.

I am excited to use our math program, BIG IDEAS Math. This curriculum encourages students to think critically and explore math through hands-on activities, games, and real-world problem solving. It’s designed to build confidence, spark curiosity, and help students see that math is more than just numbers on a page—it’s a tool they can use to make sense of the world around them.

This year, I will be teaching math, and when Mrs. Pelle returns from maternity leave, she will be joining our class to lead math lessons as well. We’re thrilled to have her support as we explore new concepts and celebrate students’ growth.

Math Scope
In first grade, students explore the foundational building blocks of math through BIG IDEAS Math. They’ll strengthen their addition and subtraction skills within 20, develop a strong understanding of numbers and place value up to 120, and practice measuring and comparing lengths. Students will also explore shapes, learning to identify, describe, and even combine or break them apart. Each unit builds on the last, helping students grow their understanding step by step and see how math connects to the world around them.

Together, we’ll celebrate progress, big and small, as students grow into creative and capable problem solvers.

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