Everyday Mathematics Grade 1, Unit 3: Number Stories
In this unit, your child solves number stories, short everyday problems that end with a math question. Some stories add three numbers, and some hide the missing number at the start or middle. This builds on last unit's adding and subtracting and leads into measuring length and more practice with addition facts.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 3?
- Solving number stories within 20 where the unknown, the missing number, can come at the start, in the middle, or at the end. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 20
- Adding three numbers in a story, with a total of 20 or less, by choosing a smart order to combine them. Learn more: Story problems that add three numbers
- Using addition and subtraction facts within 20 to answer each story quickly and check that the answer makes sense. 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
- Turn bath time into a story problem: "Three ducks were in the tub, then some more jumped in. Now there are 8. How many jumped in?" Let your child act it out with toys.
- Count three groups of toys on the floor, like 4 cars, 6 blocks, and 4 balls. Ask for the total and see if your child spots that 4 + 6 makes 10 first.
- Make up stories on a walk or ride using things you see, like birds on a wire, and ask your child to tell you the number sentence that matches.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding every number out of habit, even when the story says some were eaten or given away.
- Treating the word more as a signal to add, when the story asks how many more one person has.
- Adding only two of the three numbers in a story, leaving out the last group mentioned.
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
- number story
- A short story that ends with a math question to solve.
- unknown
- The missing number in a problem, often shown as a box or a question mark.
- addend
- One of the numbers you add together, like 4 and 3 in 4 + 3.
- total
- How many there are altogether.
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign, like 6 + 2 = 8.
- in all
- Words that ask how many there are when the groups are put together.
- how many more
- Words that ask for the difference between two amounts.
Want to help your child master number stories?
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 Everyday Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 3 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 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.