Bridges in Mathematics Grade 1, Unit 1: Numbers All Around Us
In this unit, first graders look for numbers in everyday places and use them to tell small adding and subtracting stories. They learn to count on from the bigger number and start making facts within 20 quick, using doubles, a number added to itself, and pairs that make ten. That comfort with counting leads into the next unit, which shows how a ten and some ones build every teen number.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 1?
- Solving short adding and subtracting stories about everyday things, including stories where the start or the middle number is the one missing. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 20
- Counting on from the bigger number to add and counting back to subtract, like saying 10, 11, 12 for 9 + 3. Learn more: Counting on and back to add and subtract
- Building quick recall of facts within 10 and using doubles and pairs that make ten to work out facts within 20. Learn more about adding within 20: Adding within 20 · Learn more about subtracting within 20
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
I had some toy cars. My friend gave me 3 more cars. Now I have 8 cars in total. How many toy cars did I have at first?
- 3
- 5
- 8
How you can help
- Count the steps together on a staircase or a walk, then ask, "We've climbed 6. If we go 3 more, which step will we stand on?" Say each number aloud as you step: 7, 8, 9.
- Tell a snack-time story with the start missing: "I put some crackers on your plate, added 4 more, and now there are 10. How many were there at first?" Let your child act it out.
- Play "pairs that make ten" at the table: hold up some fingers and ask your child to show how many more make 10. Switch roles so they quiz you too.
Where kids can get stuck
- Starting back at 1 to solve 7 + 2, counting out all seven before adding two more.
- Saying "7, 8" for 7 + 2 and answering 8, counting the starting number as the first step.
- Adding every number in a story out of habit, even when something was eaten or given away.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- count on
- Start at one number and count up to add.
- count back
- Start at one number and count down to subtract.
- sum
- The answer when you add, like 7 in 3 + 4 = 7.
- difference
- The answer when you subtract, like 2 in 9 - 7 = 2.
- doubles
- A number added to itself, like 6 + 6.
- make a ten
- Split a number to fill a ten first, like 8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3.
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign, like 5 + 3 = 8.
Want to help your child master adding and subtracting within 20?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Bridges in Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 1 cover?
Bridges in Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 1 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.