Everyday Mathematics Grade 1, Unit 6: Addition Fact Strategies
In this unit, your child learns smart strategies for addition facts, like adding in a different order, using doubles, and making a ten. They also see subtraction as a missing part of an addition fact. This comes after the place value unit and leads into strategies built just for subtraction facts.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 6?
- Adding numbers in any order, so 3 + 8 can become 8 + 3, and grouping numbers to make adding easier. Learn more: Adding in any order to make it easier
- Solving a subtraction fact by thinking of the missing addend, so 12 - 9 becomes 9 plus what makes 12. Learn more: Subtracting by finding the missing part
- Using doubles, near doubles, and making a ten to answer addition facts within 20 quickly and correctly. 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
- Ask a turnaround question while sorting toys: "If 2 + 9 is 11, what is 9 + 2?" Praise your child for knowing it without counting again.
- Draw two rows of five boxes on paper to make a ten-frame. Put in 8 cereal pieces, add 5 more, and show how 2 fill the frame and 3 are left: 13.
- Play near doubles at breakfast. Say "5 + 5 is 10, so what is 5 + 6?" and let your child explain the jump of one.
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting from the smaller number, such as starting at 2 for 2 + 9, instead of starting at 9.
- Making a near double the wrong way, solving 6 + 7 as 6 + 6 and forgetting to add the extra one.
- Starting over by counting all objects, instead of using a known fact like 7 + 3 = 10 to help.
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
- One of the numbers you add together, like 4 and 3 in 4 + 3.
- turnaround fact
- The same addition fact with the numbers switched, like 3 + 4 and 4 + 3.
- doubles
- Facts that add a number to itself, like 6 + 6 = 12.
- near doubles
- Facts that are one more than a double, like 6 + 7 = 6 + 6 + 1.
- make a ten
- Break apart a number so one part fills a ten, like 8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3.
- strategy
- A plan or shortcut for solving a problem.
- fluent
- Able to answer a fact quickly and correctly, without counting on fingers.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with addition facts?
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 6 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 6 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.