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What math should a 1st grader know?
First grade builds the base for everything that follows. The main goals in the Common Core standards are adding and subtracting within 20 (fluently within 10), understanding tens and ones, and comparing two-digit numbers. Children also tell time to the half hour and measure lengths.
A key idea this year is the connection between adding and subtracting. If 8 + 5 = 13, then 13 − 5 = 8.
Examples of 1st grade math
- Adding within 20 by making ten: 8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3 = 13.
- Missing numbers: 8 + ? = 13. The missing number is 5.
- Tens and ones: 47 is 4 tens and 7 ones, so 47 = 40 + 7.
- Comparing: 62 > 58, because 6 tens is more than 5 tens.
6 first grade practice questions
- 9 + 4 = ?
- 7 + 6 = ?
- 15 − 8 = ?
- 12 − 5 = ?
- 7 + ? = 13
- 34 ◯ 43
Use <, > or = for the ◯.
Show answers
- 9 + 4 = 13
- 7 + 6 = 13
- 15 − 8 = 7
- 12 − 5 = 7
- 7 + 6 = 13
- 34 < 43
Tips for parents
- Practice "doubles" (6 + 6) and "near doubles" (6 + 7).
- Use dimes and pennies to show tens and ones.
- Ask your child to explain how they got an answer, not just what it is.