enVision Mathematics Grade 1, Topic 3: Addition Facts to 20: Use Strategies
In this unit, first graders add within 20 using strategies instead of counting every object. They use doubles, near doubles (a double plus one), and make a ten, and they add numbers in any order to find easier routes. Story problems give these strategies a purpose. It builds on the quick facts within 10 from the last unit, and next the same strategies help with subtraction to 20.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 3?
- Solving adding stories within 20, including ones where the start is unknown, like "some birds, then 5 more, now 13." Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 20
- Adding in any order or grouping, like spotting that 6 + 4 makes ten first in 6 + 7 + 4. Learn more: Adding in any order to make it easier
- Using doubles, near doubles, and make a ten, such as 8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3, to add 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
- Make two rows of 5 cups or spoons to show a ten. Add 8 and 5 by filling the ten first, then counting what's left over: 10 and 3 is 13.
- Call out doubles while you walk, like 7 + 7, then ask for the near double, 7 + 8. Ask how knowing one fact helps with the other.
- Tell a story with the start missing: "Some birds sat on the fence, 5 more came, and now there are 13. How many were there first?" Let your child draw it.
Where kids can get stuck
- Splitting the wrong number when making a ten, turning 8 + 5 into 8 + 2 + 2.
- Missing an easy ten in 6 + 7 + 4 by adding strictly left to right.
- Counting on from the smaller number, starting at 2 for 2 + 9.
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.
- 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.
- turnaround fact
- The same addends in the other order, like 3 + 5 and 5 + 3.
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign, like 5 + 3 = 8.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with addition facts to 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 enVision Mathematics Grade 1 Topic 3 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 1 Topic 3 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.