first grade problem solving activities

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30 Fun and Free First Grade Math Games and Activities

Teach them early on that math can be fun!

Early elementary teachers have a chance to instill in their students a love of math right from the start. One great way to do that is to make math fun! These first grade math games cover all the standard skills firsties need to know , in ways that make learning engaging and enjoyable for all.

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1. Wiggle to 100

You’ve Got This Math/Wiggle to 100 via youvegotthismath.com

Many kids learn best when they move their bodies. In this simple game, they use number cards to make and solve addition or subtraction equations. Then they draw an action card, and complete the activity the same number of times as the answer to the problem.

Learn more: You’ve Got This Math

2. Play with place value pickup sticks

First Grade Wow/Place Value Pickup Sticks via firstgradewow.blogspot.com

Help students visualize place value with these DIY pickup sticks. Pick up a handful of sticks and drop them, then have kids organize them by tens and ones. Finally, determine what number the sticks represent.

Learn more: First Grade Wow

3. Measure and compare names

Mrs. Richardson’s Class/Comparing Names via mrsrichardsonsclass.com

Here’s a fun way to teach non-standard measurement: Compare the lengths of student names! This is a great activity to try near the beginning of the year as kids get to know each other.

Learn more: Mrs. Richardson’s Class

4. Spin and draw the time

The Moffatt Girls/Spin and Draw Time via themoffattgirls.com

Kids love simple spinners, so use them for games that help them learn to tell time. After they spin a digital time, have them draw the correct hands on clock faces or create the time on a toy clock.

Learn more: The Moffatt Girls

5. Make a DIY shape Guess Who? game

Life Between Summers/Shape Guess Who via lifebetweensummers.com

Switch up your old Guess Who? game with 2D and 3D shape cards instead. Kids will get practice using geometry terms like “vertices,” “edges,” “faces,” and more.

Learn more: Life Between Summers

6. Walk the plank to practice addition

Primarily Speaking/Walk the Plank via primarily-speaking.com

With a wooden paint stick, some math cubes, and a pair of number cubes, you can play a simple but fun first grade math game that helps kids learn addition in such an engaging way!

Learn more: Primarily Speaking

7. Assemble a domino puzzle

Games 4 Gains/Dominoes Math Puzzles via games4gains.com

Print the free puzzles at the link below. Then grab some dominoes and start filling in the puzzle one piece at a time by placing a domino that adds up to the number shown in each rectangle. The trick is that regular domino rules still apply, so each number must touch another domino with the same number on that end.

Learn more: Games 4 Gains

8. Play tic-tac-toe with addition problems

123 Homeschool 4 Me/Tic-Tac-Toe Math Game via 123homeschool4me.com

Work out the answer to each problem in the grid, and dot or circle the ones that add up to 10. First to get three in a row wins!

Learn more: 123 Homeschool 4 Me/Tic-Tac-Toe Math Game

9. Face off in Dice War

Miss Giraffe’s Class/Fact Fluency Dice via missgiraffesclass.blogspot.com

Dice games are fantastic in the classroom! With this one, kids practice their addition facts and get a little work with subitizing too. The concept is so simple: Each player rolls the dice and adds up their numbers. The highest sum wins that round. This is one of those first grade math games that can be expanded by adding a third die. (You can also use playing cards.)

Learn more: Miss Giraffe’s Class

10. Use sticky notes to make 10

Life Over C’s/Make 10 Sticky Notes via lifeovercs.com

Sticky notes have so many uses in the classroom. In this case, challenge students to put together the numbered notes that “make 10.” They’ll practice adding to 10 with multiple numbers. You can also do this with subtraction, starting at 10, to make zero.

Learn more: Life Over C’s

11. Play Shut the Box

This game has been played for hundreds of years, but it’s a fun and sneaky way to practice addition facts fluency. The goal is to “close” each of the numbers in the box from one to nine by rolling the dice. For instance, if a player rolls 11, they may close 1, 2, 3, and 5, as these add up to 11. If no numbers are available to add up to the dice total, play passes to the next player and continues until someone finally “shuts the box” by closing the last available number. You can play this game with a specially designed box , as it has been played for years. You don’t need the box, though; simply have kids write out the numbers 1 through 9 and cross them out as they play.

12. Assemble some addition grab bags

Susan Jones Teaching/Addition Grab Bags via susanjonesteaching.com

Fill a variety of bags with collections of small objects. Kids grab a handful from two different bags, then count and add up the results. Be sure they write it all down to get practice at setting up equations. First grade math games like this one work for subtraction too.

Learn more: Susan Jones Teaching/Grab Bags

13. Face off to find the difference

Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls/Face Off Math via frugalfun4boys.com

Each player rolls the dice (try polyhedral dice for higher numbers, or roll several dice and add them together) and builds a stack of math cubes . Then they “face off” and find the difference between their two stacks.

Learn more: Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

14. Plant flowers and count on

Fun-a-Day/Counting Flowers via fun-a-day.com

Pick up some artificial flowers at the dollar store for this springtime garden game. Roll the die and add that number of flowers to your pot. Then roll again and add more, counting on from where you left off. Easy and fun!

Learn more: Fun-a-Day

15. Build and count on

Susan Jones Teaching/Building On via susanjonesteaching.com

Here’s a fun hands-on way to practice counting on and addition. You can use any type of building blocks for this one. Get free printables at the link.

Learn more: Susan Jones Teaching/Building On

16. Print a hundreds chart to play Battleship

123 Homeschool 4 Me/Hundreds Chart Battleship via 123homeschool4me.com

Help students master numbers up to 100 by playing Battleship, using a standard hundreds chart . They’ll enjoy the strategy (and the fun of crying “boom!” when they sink a ship) while they develop number sense and practice number words.

Learn more: 123 Homeschool 4 Me/Hundreds Chart Battleship

17. Try nuts and bolts for place-value practice

The Measured Mom/Place Value Mat via themeasuredmom.com

Mastering the concepts of tens and ones is more fun with hands-on activities. We love these DIY math manipulatives that use inexpensive nuts and bolts from the hardware store to drive home the idea of place value. (Bonus: Kids also practice fine motor skills!) Get free printable mats to use with this activity at the link.

Learn more: The Measured Mom

18. Have a place-value scavenger hunt

Primary Theme Park/Place Value Scavenger Hunt via primarythemepark.com

Grab a stack of old magazines and use it for a place-value scavenger hunt! You can do this one at school or send it home for homework. Get free printables to use for this first grade math game at the link.

Learn more: Primary Theme Park/Place Value Scavenger Hunt

19. Practice tens and ones with I Have, Who Has

Playdough to Plato/I Have Who Has via playdoughtoplato.com

As first graders work with the concepts of tens and ones, play this simple game to give them confidence. Using the free printable cards at the link, the first player calls out “I have …” followed by the number shown on their card in blocks. Then they call out the number on the bottom, and the player who has that number takes over.

Learn more: Playdough to Plato/I Have, Who Has

20. Deal Uno cards to compare numbers

Kindergarten Smorgasboard/Uno Card Comparison via thekindergartensmorgasboard.com

Some first grade math games are just slightly harder versions of kindergarten ones. Make a greater-than/less-than mat with paper scraps and a brad, as shown. Lay out two Uno cards on each side, since first graders work on comparing two-digit numbers. Swing the arms of the signs around to the correct direction to indicate which is greater.

Learn more: The Kindergarten Smorgasboard

21. Knock down the pins with dot arrangement bowling

Cara Carroll/Subitizing Bowling via justcaracarroll.com

Take an inexpensive toy bowling set (or make your own with plastic bottles) and add sticky dots arranged in patterns. Students roll the ball and then have to quickly subitize to determine how many dots are on each pin they knocked down. If they get it right, they get the points!

Learn more: Cara Carroll

22. Navigate a time-telling maze

123 Homeschool 4 Me/Time Maze via 123homeschool4me.com

Start with the first clock and color in the line that shows the correct time. That leads you to the next clock, and so on, until you’re done!

Learn more: 123 Homeschool 4 Me/Time-Telling Maze

23. Assemble time-telling puzzles

123 Homeschool 4 Me/Time-Telling Puzzles via 123homeschool4me.com

Firsties should be mastering time to the hour and half hour. These free printable puzzles help them match up analog and digital clock times. Have them say the times out loud as they match them up too.

Learn more: 123 Homeschool 4 Me/Time-Telling Puzzles

24. Match up plastic eggs

The STEM Laboratory/Telling Time Eggs via thestemlaboratory.com

This is always a popular way to practice telling time. Draw clocks on one half of the eggs, and write out the times in numbers or words on the other half. For even more fun, hide the halves around the room and go on an egg hunt before you match them up!

Learn more: The STEM Laboratory

25. Put together shapes to make other shapes

Susan Jones Teaching/Pattern Blocks via Susan Jones Teaching

Use pattern blocks with the free printable cards at the link to get kids playing around with simple geometry. They’ll practice recognizing basic shapes and learn they can use some shapes to make new ones.

Learn more: Susan Jones Teaching/Pattern Blocks

26. Partition and sort shapes

Smitten With First/Fraction Sticky Notes via smittenwithfirstblog.com

Gather up sticky notes in a variety of shapes and sizes . Draw lines on them to partition them equally or unequally. Then, have kids sort them based on type.

Learn more: Smitten With First

27. Build and measure with LEGO bricks

Playdough to Plato/LEGO Math via playdoughtoplato.com

Everything is more fun with LEGO! Pull out a pile of square bricks and use them for these fun and free activities that incorporate estimating, measuring, and comparing length.

Learn more: Playdough to Plato/LEGO Math

28. Race and measure with toy cars

Susan Jones Teaching/Non-Standard Measurement via susanjonesteaching.com

First, kids get a little STEM practice by figuring out how to build a ramp. Then, they race toy cars down the ramp, marking where they land. Finally, they compare distances using any kind of non-standard measurement they like.

Learn more: Susan Jones Teaching/Non-Standard Measurement

29. Sort out your classroom toys

BSM Year 2/Sorting Toys via bsmkew.blogspot.com

First graders work on sorting by attribute in as many as three categories. Put out a variety of building blocks, beads, or other classroom toys and lay out some Hula-Hoops. Ask kids to define the categories and start sorting! You can even overlap the hoops into Venn diagrams for items that meet more than one criterion.

Learn more: BSM Year 2

30. Go on a bug hunt

Primary Theme Park/Bug Hunt via primarythemepark.com

Grab the free printable game at the link, then have kids graph their insects as they play. When they’re done, ask questions to ensure they understand the data they’ve collected.

Learn more: Primary Theme Park/Bug Hunt

Like these first grade math games? Don’t miss these 50 First Grade Math Word Problems of the Day !

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First Grade Math Worksheets

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1st Grade Math Worksheets

First graders can complete a series of engaging worksheets and activities that will help them develop the math skills they need to achieve success in today’s standards-based education system.

Free printable math worksheets aligned to 1st grade Common Core standards.

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50 math problems for 1 st graders

Learn how to master word problems for 1st Graders with these 50 first grade math problems! Answers included.

Author Michelle Griczika

Published September 20, 2023

• Key takeaways
• Addition & Subtraction: Adding and subtracting numbers is like solving puzzles and helps us with real-life situations.
• Word Problems: Solving word problems makes math fun and helps us become better readers and problem solvers.
• Place Value: Understanding place value helps us read and write numbers correctly and compare their values.
• Measurement & Time: Measuring objects and telling time help us understand the world around us and manage our daily routines.
• Geometry (Shapes): Recognizing shapes and their properties helps us see the world in a new way and understand how things are put together.

Table of contents

• Addition and Subtraction
• Word Problems
• Place Value
• Geometry (Shapes)
• Measurement

Did you know that ladybugs have spots on their backs?

If a ladybug has 2 spots on its back and it gets 1 more spot, how many spots will the ladybug have in total?

The lady bug will have 3 spots!

First grade word problems are like fun puzzles that help us use our math skills to solve real-life situations. They are essential to 1st grade math, and practicing them can help us become math superstars!

• We can use addition and subtraction to determine how many cookies are left in a jar, how many friends are on the playground, or even how many apples are in a basket.
• Understanding place value is like being a number detective. It helps us read big numbers and know the value of each digit, so we can count things like how many toys we have or how many days until our birthday.
• Measuring things and telling time is like being an explorer in the real world. We can measure how tall we are, how long a pencil is, or even how much water is in a cup. And knowing how to read a clock helps us know when it’s time for fun activities or when it’s time to go to bed.
• Shapes are like building blocks of the world around us. We can learn about squares, triangles, and circles by looking at objects we see every day. It’s like being a shape detective, finding out how many sides and corners they have, and how they fit together like puzzle pieces in 1st grade math problems.

All of these skills are necessary for 1st grade math practice! Use these 50 math problems to go over important math skills needed to strengthen your first graders understanding and knowledge.

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Measurement and data

Sample questions, 50 math problems for first graders.

Today, we are going to practice different 1st grade skills. There are word problems for 1st graders measurement, addition and subtraction, and more! Once you are done, check your work with our answer sheet!

Section 1: Addition & Subtraction

Section 2: word problems, section 3: place value, practice 1st grade math with doodlemath.

Want more practice with 1st grade math? DoodleMath is an award-winning math app that’s proven to double a child’s rate of progression with just 10 minutes of use a day!

Filled with fun, interactive questions aligned to state standards, Doodle creates a unique work program tailored to each child’s needs, boosting their confidence and skills in math. Try it free  today!

Section 4: Geometry (Shapes)

Section 5: measurement.

How many inches long is the caterpillar?

How many inches long is the pencil?

How many inches long is the spoon?

How many inches tall is the building?

How many inches tall is the superhero?

Section 6: Time

What time is the clock below telling?

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Lesson credits

Michelle Griczika

Michelle Griczika is a seasoned educator and experienced freelance writer. Her years teaching first and fifth grades coupled with her double certification in elementary and early childhood education lend depth to her understanding of diverse learning stages. Michelle enjoys running in her free time and undertaking home projects.

Time answer sheet

Measurement answer sheet

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1st Grade Addition and Subtraction Word Problems up to 20

Welcome to our 1st Grade Addition and Subtraction Word Problems. Here you will find a wide range of mixed addition and subtraction worksheets, which will help your child practice solving a range of addition and subtraction word problems using numbers up to 20.

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• Addition & Subtraction Word Problems up to 10
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• Addition & Subtraction Word Problems up to 20 Online Quiz

1st Grade Addition and Subtraction

Word problems up to 20.

Each sheet consists of a set of 5 or 6 mixed addition and subtraction word problems with numbers up to 20.

There is a space on each sheet for working out, using whichever method is preferred.

There are also UK versions of some of the worksheets which use pounds (£) instead of dollars($).

Using these sheets will help your child to:

• recognise addition and subtraction word problems;
• add and subtract with numbers up to 10, 15 or 20.
• recognise the language used for addition and subtraction;

1st Grade Addition and Subtraction Word Problems up to 10

• Addition Subtraction Word Problem to 10 Sheet 1
• PDF version
• Addition Subtraction Word Problem to 10 Sheet 2
• Addition Subtraction Word Problem to 10 Sheet 3

1st Grade Addition and Subtraction Word Problems up to 15

• Addition Subtraction Word Problem to 15 Sheet 1
• Addition Subtraction Word Problem to 15 Sheet 2
• UK Version Sheet 2
• UK PDF version
• Addition Subtraction Word Problem to 15 Sheet 3

First Grade Addition and Subtraction Word Problems up to 20

• Addition Subtraction Word Problem to 20 Sheet 1
• Addition Subtraction Word Problem to 20 Sheet 2
• Addition Subtraction Word Problem to 20 Sheet 3

Looking for some easier worksheets?

Take a look at our Addition sentences to 12.

On this page, your child will learn to work out basic addition sums up to 12 by counting objects.

• Addition Sentences to 12
• Subtraction Facts to 12
• First Grade Addition and Subtraction to 12

Looking for some harder worksheets?

Take a look at our 1st Grade Addition facts Worksheets page with numbers up to 12+12.

On this page, your child will learn to work out basic addition sums to 12+12.

• 2nd Grade Addition and Subtraction Word Problems
• Math Addition Facts to 20
• Subtraction Facts to 20 Worksheets

More Recommended Math Worksheets

Take a look at some more of our worksheets similar to these.

More First Grade Addition and Subtraction Worksheets

Here you will find some more of our 1st Grade Addition Worksheets.

Using these sheets will help your child learn to:

• Addition Fact Practice to 12
• Adding tens
• 2 Digit Addition Worksheets With Regrouping
• Subtracting tens
• Two Digit Subtraction Worksheets Without Regrouping
• 2 Digit Subtraction Worksheets With Regrouping

1st Grade Math Word Problems

Here you will find a range of math word problems aimed at first grade level. Each problem sheet is based on an interesting theme such as parties or the seaside.

Using these first grade math worksheets will help your child to:

• Add and subtract with numbers to 12;
• order numbers to 100;
• solve a range of math problems.

All the math problem sheets in this section support Elementary math benchmarks.

• Math Problems for Children 1st Grade
• 1st Grade Subtraction Word Problems

Longer Math Problems

• First Grade Math Problems

Addition & Subtraction Word Problems to 20 Online Quiz

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Math Word Problem Worksheets for 1st Graders

First graders will get their first introduction to some very basic math word problems in these word problem worksheets. Each page has a few word problems along with some easy first grade problems to answer. If your students are having trouble solving addition and subtraction word problems, these worksheets will help get the practice they need.

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Printable 1st Grade Math Word Problem Worksheets

1st Grade Math Worksheets

Aligned to Common Core standards, these free printable worksheets cover a growing list of math skills taught in first grade – with more on the way!

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Addition Worksheets

Help students build a solid foundation in key addition skills, number lines & place value worksheets, help your students master adding numbers through place value and on a number line, telling time worksheets, help your first graders read analog and digital clocks, and tell the time to the nearest hour and half hour.

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Engage your students and elevate their math skills with Prodigy's game-based learning platform, specifically designed to support teachers like you.

Effortlessly differentiate content to match your lesson, curriculum and individual student needs.

Automatically graded assessments, complete with reports offering valuable data and insights.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are these worksheets really free.

Yes, these printable math worksheets are free.

At Prodigy, we believe teachers should never be held back by budgets. That's why we made Prodigy Math , to help every student love learning and have access to engaging, educational content.

Are there answer keys available for these worksheets?

Yes, answer keys are included when you download our free math worksheets. You can print this for your reference while your students complete the activity on the worksheet or have it ready to review with them afterwards.

Are these worksheets aligned with Common Core standards?

Yes, like Prodigy Math , our worksheets are designed to align with Common Core standards. 

Get a quick refresher of our math curriculum standards here.

Do I need to create an account to download these worksheets?

No account is needed to access these free math worksheets.

Will there be more worksheet topics for first grade?

Yes, we will be adding more topics to our library of math worksheets for 1st grade, including skip counting worksheets, number charts, subtraction worksheets and basic 2D shape practice. Check back for more soon!

Looking to dive right into standards-aligned content? Use Prodigy! Not only does it make practicing math skills really engaging for your students but you can also easily tailor math content to your teaching and student needs. And the best bit? It’s available at no cost to educators!

How can I use these worksheets in my classroom?

As an educator, there are several ways you can use these worksheets in your classroom:

1. Practice Material: After teaching a specific concept, such as single-digit addition or place value, you can use these worksheets as practice material to reinforce what students have been taught in class.

2. Assessments: You can use these worksheets to assess students' understanding of the topics you've taught. The variety of exercises, including word problems and numeric problems, can help gauge students' grasp of the material.

3. Homework Assignments: These worksheets can be assigned as homework to give students additional practice outside of the classroom. They can help fill in the gap from regular workbooks.

4. Centers or Stations: In a classroom that uses a centers or stations approach, these worksheets could be used at a math center where students rotate through different activities.

5. Early Finisher Activity: For students who finish their work early, these worksheets can provide an additional challenge and keep them engaged.

6. Group Work: Some worksheets could be used for pair or small group work, promoting collaborative problem-solving skills.

Remember, it's important to go through the worksheets with the students after they've completed them, or provide them with the answer keys, to ensure they understand any mistakes they might have made.

What math skills should I teach my first grade class?

The skills you teach your first graders will depend on your curriculum and their individual learning needs.

Generally, students should learn basic arithmetic operations within 20, understand numbers up to 120, tell time using both analog and digital clocks, interpret simple data, and understand basic geometric concepts including shape attributes and partitioning.

If you’re following the Common Core curriculum , you will want to cover the following standards:

Operations and Algebraic Thinking:

• Using basic addition and subtraction within 20 to solve a variety of word problems, including those involving putting together or taking apart numbers, comparisons, and unknowns in all positions. This can be achieved using visual aids like objects and drawings, or equations with symbols for unknown numbers.
• Solving word-based math problems involving the addition of three whole numbers whose total is less than or equal to 20.
• Applying properties of operations as strategies for addition and subtraction.
• Understanding subtraction as a problem of finding an unknown addend.
• Relating the process of counting to the concepts of addition and subtraction.
• Adding and subtracting numbers within 20 fluently, and applying strategies such as counting on, making ten, decomposing numbers, using the relationship between addition and subtraction, and creating equivalent but easier or known sums for ease of calculation.
• Understanding the meaning of the equal sign and being able to determine if addition and subtraction equations are true or false.
• Determining the unknown whole number in equations involving the addition or subtraction of three whole numbers.

Number and Operations in Base Ten:

• Counting up to 120, starting from any number less than 120. This also involves reading and writing numerals within this range and representing a number of objects with a written numeral.
• Understanding that a two-digit number is composed of tens and ones.
• Comparing two two-digit numbers based on the meaning of the tens and ones digits. This involves using the symbols '>', '=', and '<' to record the results of comparisons.
• Adding within 100, including adding a two-digit number to a one-digit number, and a two-digit number to a multiple of 10. This involves using concrete models or drawings, strategies based on place value, and properties of operations. Students are also expected to relate their strategies to a written method and explain their reasoning. It includes understanding that when adding two-digit numbers, one adds tens to tens and ones to ones, and occasionally it may be necessary to compose a ten.
• Given a two-digit number, mentally finding 10 more or 10 less than the number without having to count, and being able to explain the reasoning behind it.
• Subtracting multiples of 10 (ranging from 10 to 90) from other multiples of 10 in the same range. This is done using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value and operations. Students should relate their strategy to a written method and explain their reasoning used.

Measurement & Data: 

• Telling and writing time in hours and half-hours using both analog and digital clocks.
• Organizing, representing, and interpreting data with up to three categories. This involves asking and answering questions about the total number of data points, the number of data points in each category, and comparing the number of data points between different categories.
• Distinguishing between defining attributes (like triangles being closed and three-sided) versus non-defining attributes (such as color, orientation, or size). This includes building and drawing shapes with defining attributes.
• Partitioning circles and rectangles into two and four equal shares and describing these shares using terms like halves, fourths, and quarters. Also, understanding that decomposing a shape into more equal shares results in smaller shares. This includes the ability to describe the whole shape as two or four of these shares.

What is Prodigy?

Great question! Unlike traditional worksheets, Prodigy is a game-based learning platform that delivers differentiated, standards-aligned content through engaging, interactive gameplay.

With Prodigy, educators can :

• Assign standards-aligned content with no grading needed.
• Motivate your students with in-game rewards and challenges.
• Access reports filled with learning insights from a student, class and curriculum level.

Best of all? Educators can use it for free! See how it works here!

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First grade problem solving

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1st Grade Math Word Problem of the Day - Yearlong Story Problem Solving Practice

Kinder - 1st Grade Problem Solving Math Readers Set 1: Join Result Unknown

Common Core Problem Solving Bundle for First Grade

Logic Problem Solving for 1st Grade Logic Puzzles for 2nd Grade

Math- 1st Grade -Months 1-10 Challenge Problem Solving , 200 problems

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Solving Math Word Problems 1st Grade self correcting Interactive PowerPoint

Printable Summer Logic Puzzles Problem Solving 1st & 2nd Grade | Summer Activity

Problem Solving for the Year | First Grade Problem Solving Activities Bundle

1st Grade Problem Solving Task Cards {with QR Codes}

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Browse first grade educational resources for Math and ELA. Explore a variety of grade 1 learning resources, such as fun games, in-depth lesson plans, structured worksheets, and much more. Simplify learning key concepts like addition, subtraction, phonics, etc. for 1st graders! Get started today for free!

CONTENT TYPE

• Lesson Plans
• Math (1,844)
• Number Sense (257)
• Number Sequence (13)
• Counting (80)
• Compare Numbers (59)
• Skip Counting (34)
• Skip Count By 10 (19)
• Place Value (56)
• Addition (767)
• Add With Pictures (153)
• Addition Properties (19)
• Addition Strategies (249)
• Compose And Decompose Numbers (114)
• Number Bonds (11)
• Add Using A Number Line (19)
• Count On To Add (22)
• Add With 10 (20)
• Doubles And Near Doubles Addition Strategy (35)
• Make 10 Strategy (18)
• Add Three Whole Numbers (52)
• 2-Digit Addition (89)
• 2-Digit Addition Without Regrouping (54)
• Subtraction (438)
• Subtract With Pictures (75)
• Subtraction Strategies (71)
• 2-Digit Subtraction (101)
• 2-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping (70)
• Geometry (131)
• Shapes (108)
• 2D Shapes (76)
• Attributes Of 2D Shapes (27)
• 3D Shapes (29)
• Partition Into Equal Parts (23)
• Partition In Halves, Thirds, And Fourths (18)
• Data Handling (13)
• Measurement (51)
• Length (21)
• Comparing Lengths (16)
• Time In Hours (25)
• Time In Half Hours (20)
• Identify Coins (36)
• Counting Money (32)
• Word Problems (160)
• Addition Word Problems (67)
• Addition Word Problems Within 20 (60)
• Subtraction Word Problems (51)
• Subtraction Word Problems Within 20 (48)
• ELA (2,174)
• Reading (1,605)
• Phonics (1,566)
• Bossy R (75)
• Words With Ar (10)
• Words With Er (8)
• Words With Ir (8)
• Words With Or (7)
• Words With Ur (8)
• Consonant Blends (232)
• Ending Blends (120)
• Beginning Blends (113)
• L Blend Words (52)
• R Blend Words (48)
• Vowels (227)
• Long Vowel Sounds (144)
• Long Vowel A Sound (34)
• Long Vowel E Sound (33)
• Long Vowel I Sound (32)
• Long Vowel O Sound (30)
• Long Vowel U Sound (31)
• Silent E (29)
• Vowel Teams (99)
• Words With Ai And Ay (8)
• Words With Ea And Ee (10)
• Words With Ie And Y (8)
• Words With Oa And Ow (9)
• Words With Oo (9)
• Words With Ue And Ui (9)
• Blending (234)
• Ccvc Words (58)
• Ccvcc Words (8)
• Cvcc Words (121)
• Rhyming Words (71)
• Sight Words (703)

Number Sense

Count by 1s within 20 Game

Enter the madness of math-multiverse by exploring how to count by 1s within 20.

• Count Forward from any Number within 20 Game

Ask your little one to count forward from any number within 20 to play this game.

Counting Sequence within 100 Worksheet

A worksheet designed to enhance students' numerical sequencing skills up to 100.

Counting Sequence within 120 Worksheet

Enhance number sequencing skills with this engaging worksheet, covering sequences within 120.

Count On to Add within 10 Game

Dive deep into the world of addition by counting on to add within 10.

Find One More to Add Game

Dive deep into the world of addition with our 'Find One More to Add' game.

Complete the Number Sentence Worksheet

This downloadable worksheet is designed to help you complete the number sentence.

Add Using 10-Frames Worksheet

Assess your math skills by adding using 10-frames in this worksheet.

Subtraction

Subtract Using Pictures Game

Shine bright in the math world by learning how to subtract using pictures.

Subtract and Match the Number Game

Begin the exciting journey of becoming a math wizard by learning to subtract and match the number.

Use Pictures to Subtract Worksheet

Learners must use pictures to subtract to enhance their math skills.

Identify the Correct Subtraction Sentence Worksheet

Focus on core math skills with this fun worksheet by identifying the correct subtraction sentence.

Identify the Shapes in Different Orientations Game

Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by identifying the shapes in different orientations.

Identifying Sides and Corners Game

Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by learning to identify sides and corners.

How Many Corners and Sides Worksheet

Learn geometry at the speed of lightning by practicing all about corners and sides.

Number of Sides and Corners Worksheet

Enhance your math skills by practicing shapes & the number of their sides and corners.

Data Handling

Read the Data Game

Begin the exciting journey of becoming a math wizard by learning how to read data.

Compare the Data Game

Take the first step towards building your math castle by practicing how to compare data.

Count to Complete the Table Worksheet

Reveal the secrets of math wizardry by practicing to count to complete the table.

Create a Tally Table Worksheet

Assess your math skills by creating a tally table in this worksheet.

Measurement

Align and Compare Lengths Game

Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring how to align and compare lengths.

Equal Lengths Game

Practice the concept of equal lengths with your little one through this game.

Which One is Longer Worksheet

Learn measurement at the speed of lightning by practicing to identify which one is longer.

Which One is Shorter Worksheet

In this worksheet, learners will get to identify the shorter one.

• The Hour Hand Game

Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by playing 'The Hour Hand' game.

Read Time in Hours Game

Let your child see the world through math-colored shades by reading the time in hours!

Hour Hand and Minute Hand Worksheet

Be on your way to become a mathematician by practicing the hour hand and the minute hand.

Position of Hour and Minute Hand Worksheet

Make math practice a joyride by solving problems to position the hour and minute hand correctly.

Different Types of Coins Game

Explore different types of coins with your little one.

Count Coins of a Type Game

Have your own math-themed party by learning how to count coins of a type.

Identify Coins & Values Worksheet

Solidify your math skills by practicing to identify coins & values.

Draw Coins Worksheet

Reinforce math concepts by practicing to draw coins.

Word Problems

Word Problems on Adding 3 Numbers Game

Learn to solve word problems on adding 3 numbers by playing this game.

Solve Count On Scenarios Game

Begin the exciting journey of becoming a math wizard by learning how to solve count on scenarios.

Select the Correct Addition Expression Worksheet

Reinforce math concepts by selecting the correct addition expression.

Find the Sum by Part-Part-Whole Model Worksheet

Assess your math skills by finding the sum by 'Part-Part-Whole' model in this worksheet.

Explore Words With Bossy R - ar Game

Get familiar with reading by learning to explore words with bossy R - ar.

Explore Words With R Controlled Vowels - ar Game

Polish your language skills by exploring words with R controlled vowels - ar.

Let's Look for the Bossy R Words! Worksheet

Combine ELA learning with adventure by looking for Bossy R words.

Which Bossy R sound do you hear? Worksheet

In this worksheet, learners will get to explore Bossy R sounds.

All Resources

Identify the Addition Sentence Game

Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by identifying the addition sentence.

Identify 1 More or 1 Less Worksheet

Reinforce math concepts by practicing to identify 1 more or 1 less.

Find the Sum Using Part-Part-Whole Model Worksheet

Combine math learning with adventure by solving to find the sum using 'Part-Part-Whole' model.

Solve Subtraction Sentences Game

Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring how to solve subtraction sentences.

Identify Shapes in Different Orientation Game

Have your own math-themed party by learning how to identify shapes in different orientations.

Add Using Fingers Worksheet

Learners must add using fingers to enhance their math skills.

Classify Shapes as Flats or Solids Worksheet

Focus on core math skills with this fun worksheet by classifying shapes as flats or solids.

Measure Length using Another Object Game

Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by measuring the length using another object.

Estimate Length Using Objects Worksheet

Solidify your math skills by practicing to estimate lengths using objects.

The Minute Hand Game

Take a look at the minute hand with this fun game about time.

Represent Money using Symbols Game

Shine bright in the math world by learning how to represent money using symbols.

Time of Activities of the Day Worksheet

Look at the time of activities of the day by printing this playful worksheet.

Guess the Price Worksheet

Dive into this fun-filled printable worksheet by practicing to guess the price.

Begin Blending With Bossy R: AR Game

Begin blending with Bossy R: AR to practice your language skills!

Represent Word Problems as Math Expressions Worksheet

Dive into this worksheet by practicing to represent word problems as math expressions.

R-Blend Magic Worksheet

Here are some fun flashcards for r-blend magic! Explore fr, gr, pr, and tr words and boost your reading skills.

Identify the Expression Game

Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to identify the expression.

Choose the Correct Expression Game

Have your own math-themed party by learning how to choose the correct expression.

Find More & Less Worksheet

Solidify your math skills by practicing to find 'More' & 'Less'.

Write Equations Using Part-Part-Whole Model Worksheet

Learn number sense at the speed of lightning by writing equations using 'Part-Part-Whole' model.

Triangles and Rectangles Game

Take a look at triangles and rectangles with this geometry game.

Complete the Part-Part-Whole Model Worksheet

Learners must complete the 'Part-Part-Whole' model to enhance their math skills.

Match the Attributes of Trapezoid Worksheet

Explore this worksheet to enhance your understanding of trapezoid properties through matching!

Select the Right Unit Game

Learn to solve math problems by selecting the right unit.

Relate Activities with A.M. and P.M. Game

Shine bright in the math world by learning how to relate activities with A.M. and P.M.

Estimate Length Using Tiles Worksheet

Solidify your math skills by practicing to estimate length using tiles.

Use Symbols to Represent Money Game

Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to use symbols to represent money.

From Sounds to Words: yarn and sharp Game

With the help of this game learn to translate sounds to words: yarn and sharp.

Hours or Minutes Worksheet

Make math practice a joyride by solving problems with 'hours' or 'minutes'.

Understanding Coins Worksheet

Reinforce math concepts by practicing to understand coins.

Mark Numbers in Order Game

Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to mark numbers in order.

Add Within 5 Game

Let your child see the world through math-colored shades with our 'Add Within 5' games!

Identify Math Expression for Word Problems Worksheet

Learners must identify math expressions for word problems to enhance their math skills.

R-controlled Sound Words Worksheet

Understand how letter R controls different sound words with our uniquely designed flashcard. Download yours to unlock remarkable reading achievements!

Subtract Within 5 Game

Practice the superpower of subtraction by learning how to subtract within 5.

Identify Shapes by Name Game

Practice the superpower of mathematics by learning to identify shapes by their names.

Complete More or Less Sentences Worksheet

Pack your math practice time with fun by completing 'more' or 'less' sentences.

Create and Solve Your Own Story Problem Worksheet

Help your child revise subtraction by creating and solving your own story problem.

How Many in All Game

Ask your little one to determine 'how many in all' to play this game.

Make Reasonable Estimates of Lengths Game

Enter the madness of math-multiverse by exploring how to make reasonable estimates of lengths.

Part-Part-Whole Model Worksheet

In this worksheet, learners will get to practice the 'Part-Part-Whole' model.

Match the Attributes of Triangle Worksheet

Boost triangle identification skills with this engaging worksheet on matching triangle attributes.

1st Grade Curriculum and Educational Resources

Grade 1 is an important stage in elementary education for children aged about 6 to 7 years. In Grade 1, students are introduced to several advanced concepts in math and ELA that build upon their Kindergarten foundation.

• 1st Grade Math Learning: In math, students learn number sequences, counting (up to 120), comparing and ordering numbers, place value concepts (ones, tens, place value models), addition and subtraction strategies, simple addition and subtraction word problems, identifying and naming 2D and 3D shapes , measuring lengths and heights, comparing measurements , matching analog clocks with correct time, identifying coins, counting money , and more. 
• 1st Grade ELA Learning: In ELA, they dive deeper into blending and segmenting, reading ( phonics skills like r-controlled vowels, consonant blends, etc.), writing sight words , and much more.

Types of Grade 1 Learning Resources

Let’s take an overview of the different types of first grade learning resources offered by SplashLearn.

Fun Grade 1 Learning Games

The 1st grade curriculum-aligned learning games primarily cover two subjects — Math and ELA .

• 1st Grade Math Games : There are around 350+ math games organized by topics, such as number sense, addition, subtraction, geometry, measurement, time, money, and word problems.
• 1st Grade ELA Games : There are over 600 ELA games covering essential reading (phonics) and writing topics.

Engaging Grade 1 Worksheets

SplashLearn offers printable 1st grade worksheets designed by keeping all the key topics of Math and ELA in mind.

• 1st Grade Math worksheets : There are around 1300+ worksheets , which offer effective practice for key math topics.
• 1st Grade ELA worksheets : There are about 950+ printable ELA worksheets designed to help kids practice and master reading and writing skills effortlessly.

Grade 1 Lesson Plans

• Math lesson plans for 1st graders : There are detailed and well-crafted lesson plans that cover math topics, like number sense, addition, subtraction, geometry , measurement, time , money , and word problems .
• ELA lesson plans for 1st graders : Similarly, for ELA, there are educational lesson plans designed for essential topics, such as reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and more. 

Grade 1 Live Classes

• You can join interactive Live Classes on SplashLearn designed for first grade Math and reading. These classes are led by experienced and certified teachers. Parents can choose a convenient time slot for their child. 
• Parents who have an active subscription or trial can effortlessly find the "Live Class" page at the top of the dashboard.
• While our grade-specific apps don't currently have the Live class feature, you can easily participate via our website using laptops, desktops, iPads, Macbooks, or Chromebooks.

What Are the Best Tips for Teaching First Graders?

To explore effective teaching strategies for 1st graders, it is important to understand the grade 1 curriculum and its objectives. Here are some of our blogs and articles that can help with this:

• Grade 1 Curriculum: 5 Things to Teach to Kids in the First Grade : Read to explore what 1st graders learn in Math, ELA (reading and writing), Science, and Social studies. The blog also offers some great tips for parents as well.
• 1st Grade Math: Most Important Math Concepts Kids Learn in 1st Grade : This blog highlights the 7 key skills and concepts 1st graders learn. It will help teachers and parents understand the learning objectives of the first grade curriculum.

What Are the Best 5 First Grade Learning Resources?

Here are 5 engaging educational resources for first graders offered by SplashLearn:

• Guess the Missing Number Worksheet
• Identify Coins & Values Worksheet
• Math Lesson Plan — Dive into Subtraction Methods

Your one stop solution for all grade learning needs.

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Visual Models for Problem Solving in 1st Grade

May 10, 2020

As students enter 1st grade, they continue to work on math comprehension using early structures, like the Kindergarten journal we introduced last week, but now we begin to add visual models to the mix!

Let’s recap a child’s developmental journey through problem solving:

• In the early childhood years, a child needs lots of developmentally appropriate experience interacting with real objects in a physical world . 
• The physical world is captured in a quantitative picture , which young children observe and use as a springboard for mathematical conversations.
• We transition into a more structured math work mat to help young students be able to connect numbers to words and words to numbers, still using familiar situations from real life.
• The math work mat gives way to a formal math journal in Kindergarten that makes use of math comprehension skills. It provides a structure for students to explain their understanding of numbers within real world situations that will carry on throughout elementary school. 

Each of the stages of development builds on the skills developed in the previous step, so it is important that students aren’t rushed through these stages. The goal is to teach students the why behind the how so they aren’t just memorizing procedures but truly understand what is happening as they solve problems.

This 1st grade year is the last stage in the Math4Littles progression , in my opinion. After this, there isn’t much scaffolding, so we really want to carefully implement all the previous stages of problem solving before we turn the students loose, because we don’t want them to start guessing and checking. In taking students on this developmental journey, we are trying to build them a solid foundation for visual models to help them to understand problem solving. 

How We Used to Teach Problem Solving

When I was teaching 1st grade, I remember a strategy that we used for problem solving called the C.U.B.S. method. Each of those letters stood for a step in the problem solving process so students could remember what to do: C – circle the numbers, U – underline the word, B – box the operation, S – solve the problem. Seems like a simple process that gives kids a really great structure to start to understand what words problems are asking, right? But what I realized is that this strategy doesn’t hold up long term.

“Shannon has 5 lollipop and Scott has 4 more lollipops than Shannon. How many do they have all together?” 

I watched students follow that procedure with this type of problem. They circled the 4 and 5, underlined important information and put a box around the words all together , which means add because we’ve all seen the T-charts of addition/subtraction vocabulary – it says difference , it means we’re going to subtract, if you see all together , we’re going to add. But that strategy gives me 4, 5, and all together . If you go back to the question, you’ll realize the answer isn’t 9.

As I often do, I asked myself why ? Why isn’t it 9? A little more reading comprehension is required to decode that answer. The problem says I had 5 lollipops. Scott had 4 more than me, which means he also had 5. Adding that up, he had 9 and I had 5, so there were 14 all together.  

Why are we teaching kids procedures with concepts they don’t understand? Sometimes the strategies that we teach in math are conditional, meaning they only work for a certain amount of kids or a certain length of time. Then you have to worry about teaching them when to apply it and the rules for applying it, and what was meant to make things easier for students ends up being more complicated.

When we start working with strategies, I want to be able to find that vertical zip, meaning if I show you how this strategy might work in first grade, it has to work as the child gets older too so that they don’t have to learn a whole new set of strategies every year because every teacher teaches it differently. Honestly, the CUBS method would probably work for 75% of the problems in first grade. Students are doing more advanced part-whole addition problems, part-whole subtraction, part-whole missing addends, and they’ll start doing a few multi-step problems, all of which fit in the part-whole family, for which the CUBS method works well. But when you move out of that genre of problems, it falls apart. 

In the Kindergarten journal, we featured part-whole addition, part-whole subtraction, part-whole missing addend, a few problems with teen numbers, and a mixed review. The journal is very structured because it is intended to start students thinking about what they’re reading in the story problem: We have a story, a sentence form, a quick draw area, a number bond, a 10-frame, and a computation area. As they transition to 1st grade, how do we remove some of that scaffolding while still keeping it developmentally appropriate?

We have to be really careful with the way we make this transition, because very quickly, students can jump to the “circle the numbers, box the word” strategy and many times they just appeal to us because they don’t know what to do. It’s a word problem and it’s confusing, so they just add because we’re talking about adding that week. 

Additive Comparison Problems 

Additive comparison problems, where I have an amount and you have the same amount but you may have more or less than I do, are introduced after students have spent some time working on multi-step part-whole problems.

This type of problem is really a play on language, in my opinion, which makes it really confusing for kids to understand exactly what it is asking. So, we really want kids to take a step back to understand the additive comparison problems, which are coded AC in our journals. I find that building these problems with unfix cubes is a good way to start.

Let’s take this problem: Shannon has 10 pet rocks and Sherry has 4 pet rocks. How many more rocks does Shannon have than Sherry?

In some ways it seems like this might be a missing addend problem, but in fact we’re really comparing my pet rocks to Sherry’s pet rocks and we’re asking how many more does one have than the other. This really requires students to take it to the concrete level and make a bar model with unifix cubes.

I put 10 cubes to represent Shannon’s pet rocks, and then I’ll use different color cubes to show Sherry’s 4. Then, I want to compare the lengths of those two bars and figure out what the problem is really asking, which is the gap between where Sherry’s bar stops and Shannon’s bar stops. The question mark is asking for how many more does Shannon have? 

Sometimes, the language of an additive comparison problem might be reversed and say how many less does Sherry have? Since it is a play on words, which sometimes becomes confusing for students, we really need to put thought into how we go about teaching kids to do a problem like this.

Visual Models for Additive Comparison Problems

If I were to line up all the programs we work with, every one of them has bit of a different name for visual models: model drawings, tape diagrams, bar models, unit bars. We’re going to universally call them visual models for word problems. 

These aren’t the little quick draws we’ve been doing in Kindergarten because, as students get older and the problems get more complex, I’m not going to be able to draw 13 ducks and then 9 more because it will take too long! Instead, I want to put it into a visual model that has these units.

This first grade year is a transitional time where kids are going from the quick draw to what I’m going to call proportional bars, which have a length of individual cubes that are representative of the quantities we’re talking about in the problem.

I just was working with a first grade teacher last week on a Zoom call, and this teacher had not been able to attend our workshop on their campus about visual models. She, like most teachers I work with, didn’t understand why visual models were so important. She thought her students should be able to do quick draws and didn’t understand why they had to do boxes. She told me she was a big proponent of encouraging students to solve problems in different ways, so why would she possibly want to teach students a procedure like this and make them solve word problems in this way. 

After I took her through the same progression of problem solving we’ve been going through in our blog the past few weeks, she was sold! I took her up through fifth grade to help her see why it is that, in 1st grade, we’re asking students to stop doing quick draws and start to use a visual model that has a unit bar with different pieces. This proportional model is also a great transition into using a non-proportional bar.

Let’s say I had 92 pet rocks and Sherry has 45 pet rocks. A quick draw clearly won’t work for this problem, and I don’t have enough room on my paper to draw a proportional model for those numbers. But I can draw a longer bar that represents Shannon’s rocks, write in 92 rocks, and draw a shorter bar to show Sherry’s 45 rocks so I could see the proportionality. 

The hardest thing to remember when we do visual models for word problems is that it actually has nothing to do with math! We’re not actually solving the problem on the model; we are solely using a reading comprehension strategy.  

One of the biggest misconceptions we addressed when we started rolling out the 1st grade journal samples that I’ll be using in this video, was that the total doesn’t go on the line. If the problem asks for a total, we represent that in the visual model with a question mark. 

We also want to make sure that we label the visual model. For example, putting a B above the books that Erin had and an L above the books she got at the library. 

The whole point of this process is to provide a systematic way for students to work through problems that doesn’t stop working after 1st grade or when you start working on a different type of story problem. In fact, this strategy carries through multiplicative comparison problems and fractions, all the way into ratios and proportions in middle school. 

Step-by-Step Problem Solving

Read the problem. Then, have someone read it and repeat it, and every time a new piece of math information is presented, we’re going to put a chunk. So, as kids are reading the problem, they start to learn how to dissect what’s being asked. 

Not all first grade students will be able to read the story problem, but this process is modeled day after day after day in the first grade classroom, so eventually the child will become independent. 

I’m going to read a story problem: Mark has 9 strawberries, 6 of them are small. The rest are large. How many strawberries are large? 

Then, I’ll go back and read it in chunks: Mark has 9 strawberries . This is a new piece of mathematical information, so students will repeat that statement back and highlight or put a line there. The students also like to say chunk! Then we continue reading: Six of them were small. I’ll stop, repeat it, and the students say chunk! as they mark that chunk in their journals. Now we have two pieces of mathematical information. Let’s continue: The rest were large . Repeat and then chunk! So, we’ve got three sections of information that the problem has given us that we need to replicate in our visual model.  Finally, How many strawberries are large? Repeat that and then chunk!

By going through the problem slowly and methodically, students can really see these sections that they’re reading, and, as they’re going on to the subsequent steps of solving the problem, they can actually check off that they’ve included all the chunks of information in their visual model. 

In our problem, it asked me how many strawberries are large? To put it in a sentence form, I would say: Mark has ____ large strawberries. I like to say Hmm for the ____  as we’re reading it out loud.

In Kindergarten, we provide the sentence for students, leaving the blank space for their answer. But in 1st grade, we take some of the scaffolding away. It might say “There were _____ large ____” and the students have to fill in the blanks.

The sentence form is a great way to make sure that kids are comprehending what they’re reading. Generally, students in first grade have a difficult time trying to create a sentence form, because they aren’t yet developmentally ready to give you a complete answer in reading. But students will be required to do a sentence form in 2nd through 5th grade so we can be sure they understand the problems being asked, so it’s really great practice to start in 1st grade with the scaffolding.

Proportional model. We start the 1st grade year with a proportional model. We may scaffold here for the who or the what, and students will eventually start to learn what goes in that visual model. In this case, we’re talking about all of Mark’s strawberries, even though the question itself is only asking about how many of them are large.

In a proportional model, you might see the 9 squares. This is a missing addend problem so that title is going to have PWMA at the top, and there will be exactly nine squares. Some people might think that’s giving it away, but remember the goal of visual models? It’s not to solve the problem but understand what’s going on in the problem, so we’re more concerned about whether or not the student can label the drawing correctly. 

In this example, the student would total the bar at 9 and check off the first chunk of the problem that we read earlier –  Mark has nine strawberries.

The next part says “6 of them are small.” In 6 of my boxes, I’ll make six Xs, or I might make small circles, and at the top I can either write small or abbreviate with an s . 

Then it says “the rest are big.” I could label that other section of the boxes B for big, or write the whole word if I wanted. Then,  I need to put a question mark above that section between 9 (the total number of strawberries) and 6 (the number of small strawberries). That section represents the large strawberries, which is what my sentence form reminds me that I’m looking for. 

Technically, a student could just look at this easy proportional model and say there are 3 large strawberries because it’s right there in front of them. So some people might think this journal is just too easy, but at the end of the day, students are solidifying the process. They’re going back up to the problem and putting a check when they add Xs or circles for the six small strawberries. They’re putting in a check when they’ve talked about putting in the large strawberries. Then they put a question mark to show what we’re looking for. There’s a lot of detail that we’re looking for kids to have to interact with the text in math to show the comprehension. 

In some of our schools, we will do a unit bar at the bottom of the page. In the 1st grade journal we’ve created for Math4Littles, we’re going to leave the bar off and introduce the non-proportional bar a little bit later in the year. There is nothing wrong with having a model of the proportional bar and then underneath it having the non-proportional bar. In our journal, we plan to show the proportional bar, and then bring in both types of bars so that kids could see the relationship between the two. If where about this non proportional bar, where would I slice it to put the nine in? And then where’s my question mark? is it labeled? etc. 

The integral parts of visual models are: labelling the who or what, taking the bar and adjusting it based on the information that’s given, and writing in their question mark. Then it’s time to solve!

Computation. Although this step might not seem necessary because our sample problem is so simple, and to first graders after they do so many, it seems simple and both teachers and students might wonder why they’re even doing it, but I can promise that these problems will become more complex, very quickly. In our 1st grade journal, we will feature this look at the proportional bar, and then transition to having proportional and non proportional models, and then eventually just leaving it blank and having the student put in a non proportional bar to see that they can develop this progression. 

1st Grade Goals

The goal is, by the end of their first grade year, students should be able to solve problems with larger numbers and a non-proportional bar. You certainly don’t want to rush that progression. 1st grade is a really nice scaffold for students to get to that point of independence, because when we get to 2nd grade, we don’t do a whole lot of scaffolding. There are more open-ended sentences, more blanks, and students are doing more of the work.

Additionally, we want to mix up the types of problems we’re solving, give students time to understand them. You might do three days of part-whole addition to see if they can get it under their belt. Then do some part-whole subtraction, then mix the two to see if students are just following a pattern where we’re adding today or subtracting today. We want to know that they can really apply what they’re learning. Multi-step problems, where students have to add and then subtract, or vice versa, are next. Give students lots of good practice, and then mix it up again to see if they’re really following the words, or if they’re just learning a procedure. The last type of problem that we would integrate in the first grade is additive comparisons. 

Video Tutorials

In the video tutorials, you’ll see aspects of four different problems being displayed. Some will have the proportional bar, some will have the proportional and the non proportional and some just won’t have it just so you can get an overall idea of what this looks like as we go.

[yotuwp type=”playlist” id=”PL76vNL0J-a405ysBIwEwXfaMp5883yGh4″ ]

As you watch the videos, think about how you could set this up in your classroom, starting with some of the sample problems that we’re offering as a free download today. We will be releasing a full 1st grade journal soon, so stay tuned! 

Join us next week for problem solving in 2nd grade: What are the different problems that 2nd grade is going to encounter? How are journals coded?  As we start to look at how journals are coded, which you certainly could use these tutorial videos right away in your classroom or in your distance learning by thinking about story problems in a different way.

*Addition , *Subtraction , *Word Problems , Audience - Lower Elementary (K-2) , Series - Math4Littles | 0 comments

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