enVision Mathematics Grade 1, Topic 2: Fluently Add and Subtract Within 10
In this unit, first graders work toward adding and subtracting within 10 quickly and accurately. They count on and count back, use doubles, and learn that switching the order of the addends, the numbers being added, doesn't change the sum. Building on the story problems of the last unit, these quick facts become the base for the addition strategies to 20 that come next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 2?
- Seeing that 3 + 6 and 6 + 3 have the same sum, so they can start with whichever number is easier. Learn more: Adding in any order to make it easier
- Counting on to add and counting back to subtract, like saying 6, 7, 8 to solve 5 + 3. Learn more: Counting on and back to add and subtract
- Recalling facts within 10, such as the pairs that make 10 and doubles like 4 + 4, quickly and accurately. 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
If you know that 7 + 3 = 10, what is 3 + 7?
- 3
- 10
- 7
How you can help
- Play "hide and add" with 10 pebbles or pasta pieces: hide some under a cup and ask how many are hidden. Do it a few times so the pairs that make 10 become quick.
- Hop along floor tiles or sidewalk squares, counting on as you add and counting back as you subtract. Start from the bigger number each time.
- Ask a fact and then its turnaround while you set the table: "What's 2 + 7? And 7 + 2?" Talk about which one is easier to count on from.
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting out every object from 1, even for 6 + 2, instead of counting on from 6.
- Saying "5, 6" for 5 + 2 and answering 6, counting the start as a step.
- Solving 4 + 9 slowly from scratch right after solving 9 + 4.
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.
- addend
- A number being added, like 3 and 4 in 3 + 4.
- sum
- The answer when you add, like 7 in 3 + 4 = 7.
- turnaround fact
- The same addends in the other order, like 3 + 5 and 5 + 3.
- doubles
- A number added to itself, like 6 + 6.
- make 10
- Two numbers that add up to 10, like 6 and 4.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with facts 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 2 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 1 Topic 2 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.