Everyday Mathematics Grade 1, Unit 1: Counting and Data
In this unit, your child starts first grade by counting past 100 and reading and writing numbers up to 120. They also sort things into groups, keep track with tally marks, and read simple charts. This counting work gets them ready for the next unit, where they begin adding and subtracting.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 1?
- Counting to 120 from any starting number, and reading and writing numerals, the written number symbols, like 107 and 115. Learn more: Counting, reading, and writing numbers to 120
- Sorting objects into up to three groups, recording each group with tally marks, and answering how many in all and how many more. Learn more: Sorting, tallying, and reading simple charts
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
Count by tens: 10, 20, 30, 40, __. What number comes next?
- 51
- 50
- 60
How you can help
- Count a big pile of cereal pieces together, sliding them into groups of ten. Count the groups by tens to 100, then count on by ones and have your child write the final number.
- Sort the clean laundry into socks, shirts, and pants. Have your child make a tally mark for each item, then ask how many there are in all and which pile has the most.
- Start a count from a surprise number on a walk or ride, like 97, and take turns saying the next number. Slow down at 99 so your child can make the jump to 100.
Where kids can get stuck
- Writing one hundred four as 1004, putting 100 and 4 side by side instead of writing 104.
- Saying 69, 60 when crossing into a new ten, instead of moving on to 70.
- Giving the biggest group's count when asked how many more, instead of finding the difference between two groups.
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
- numeral
- The written symbol for a number, like 107.
- count on
- Start at a number and keep counting up from there.
- hundred
- Ten groups of ten, written 100.
- number chart
- A grid that shows numbers in order, with 10 in each row.
- tally mark
- A line drawn to count one thing; every fifth line crosses the other four.
- data
- Facts or numbers that are collected, like everyone's favorite fruit.
- category
- A group that sorted things belong to, like red, blue, or green.
- graph
- A picture that shows data so it is easy to compare.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with counting to 120?
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 Everyday Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 1 cover?
Everyday 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.