Bridges in Mathematics Grade 1, Unit 6: Figure the Facts with Penguins
In this unit, first graders work toward quick, confident addition and subtraction facts within 20, using strategies like doubles and making ten. They solve story problems, including ones that add three numbers, and think of subtraction as finding a missing part. After the last unit's shapes, this returns to number, and it prepares them for the next unit's work with numbers to 100 and beyond.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 6?
- Solving story problems within 20, including comparing stories, by drawing or acting out exactly what happens. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 20
- Adding three numbers in a story, such as 4 ducks, 3 geese, and 6 swans, and choosing a smart order to combine them. Learn more: Story problems that add three numbers
- Treating subtraction as a missing part, so 12 - 9 becomes "What do I add to 9 to make 12?" Learn more: Subtracting by finding the missing part
- Getting faster with facts to 20 by using doubles, near doubles, and making a ten. 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 three kinds of things at the table, like forks, spoons, and cups, and ask for the total. Ask your child which two to add first to make it easier.
- Turn take-away into adding on: "There were 12 crackers, and you ate some; 9 are left. What do you add to 9 to make 12?" Counting up from 9 is quicker than counting back.
- Play double-up on a walk or ride: you call a double, like 6 + 6, and your child answers. Then try the near double, 6 + 7, by adding one more.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding only the first two groups of a three-part story, answering 7 for 4 + 3 + 6 instead of 13.
- Counting back by ones from 13 to subtract 9 and losing track along the way.
- Working out 7 + 8 from scratch instead of using 7 + 7 = 14 and adding one more.
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
- addend
- A number being added, like 3 and 4 in 3 + 4.
- sum
- The answer when you add, like 7 in 3 + 4 = 7.
- total
- How many there are altogether.
- doubles
- A number added to itself, like 6 + 6.
- near doubles
- A fact one away from a double, like 6 + 7.
- make a ten
- Split a number to fill a ten first, like 8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3.
- missing addend
- The part you need to add to reach a total, like 2 in 8 + ? = 10.
- related facts
- Facts that use the same numbers, like 6 + 4 = 10 and 10 - 4 = 6.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with addition and subtraction facts?
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 6 cover?
Bridges in Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 6 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.