Go Math! Grade 1, Chapter 1: Addition Concepts
In this unit, first graders learn what addition means: putting groups together or adding to a group. They solve story problems, write addition equations, learn that the order of the addends, the numbers being added, doesn't change the sum, and find missing parts like 3 + ? = 7. It opens the year, and next they learn what subtraction means: taking from a group and comparing.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Chapter 1?
- Solving add-to and put-together stories within 10 with drawings, objects, and addition equations. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 20
- Seeing that 4 + 3 and 3 + 4 have the same sum, and that adding 0 leaves a number the same. Learn more: Adding in any order to make it easier
- Adding within 10 accurately, using pictures and number sentences to find each sum. Learn more about adding within 20: Adding within 20 · Learn more about subtracting within 20
- Finding the missing addend in equations like 3 + ? = 7 by counting on from the part they know. Learn more: Missing numbers, like 8 + ? = 11
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
- Put together two groups of toys or socks and ask how many in all. Then switch the order of the groups and ask whether the total changed.
- Hide some crackers under a napkin: "There are 7 in all, and you see 3. How many are hiding?" Encourage counting on from 3.
- Make up addition stories during a walk, like "2 dogs, then 4 more dogs. How many dogs?" Ask your child to tell one for you to solve.
Where kids can get stuck
- Writing 10 for 3 + ? = 7, adding the two numbers they can see.
- Counting both groups again from 1 instead of counting on from the first group.
- Thinking 0 + 5 is 0 or 6, unsure what adding zero does.
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
- add
- Put amounts together to find how many in all.
- addend
- A number being added, like 3 and 4 in 3 + 4.
- sum
- The answer when you add, like 7 in 3 + 4 = 7.
- in all
- The total when groups are put together.
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign, like 5 + 3 = 8.
- plus sign
- The symbol + that means add.
- turnaround fact
- The same addends in the other order, like 3 + 5 and 5 + 3.
Want to help your child master addition?
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 Go Math! Grade 1 Chapter 1 cover?
Go Math! Grade 1 Chapter 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.