enVision Mathematics Grade 1, Topic 1: Solve Addition and Subtraction Problems to 10
In this unit, first graders solve adding and subtracting story problems within 10. They work with stories about joining groups, taking some away, comparing two groups, and adding three numbers. They write equations, number sentences like 4 + 3 = 7, to show what happened. This sets up the next unit, where they work on adding and subtracting within 10 quickly and accurately.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 1?
- Solving join, take-away, and compare stories within 10, and writing an equation that matches what happened. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 20
- Adding three small groups in a story, like 2 red, 3 blue, and 4 green balloons, to find the total. Learn more: Story problems that add three numbers
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
- Act out stories with socks from the laundry: "You have 6 socks, and 2 go in the wash. How many are left?" Then write the equation together, 6 - 2 = 4.
- Set out three small piles of crackers and ask how many there are in all. Talk about which two piles are easiest to add first, then add the third.
- Line up two rows of toys side by side, like 7 cars and 4 trucks, and ask how many more cars there are. Matching them one to one shows the extra.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding the two numbers in every story, even when some were taken away.
- Adding the first two groups in a three-part story and forgetting the third one.
- Treating "more" as a signal to add, even when the story asks how many more one has.
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
- add
- Put amounts together to find how many in all.
- subtract
- Take an amount away, or find how far apart two numbers are.
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign, like 5 + 3 = 8.
- sum
- The answer when you add, like 7 in 3 + 4 = 7.
- difference
- The answer when you subtract, like 2 in 9 - 7 = 2.
- in all
- The total when groups are put together.
- how many more
- A question asking how much bigger one amount is than another.
- addend
- A number being added, like 3 and 4 in 3 + 4.
Want to help your child master story problems within 10?
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.
Join the club
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 enVision Mathematics Grade 1 Topic 1 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 1 Topic 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.