Go Math! Grade 1, Chapter 3: Addition Strategies
In this unit, first graders learn quick ways to add within 20: counting on 1, 2, or 3; using doubles and doubles plus one; making a ten; and adding three numbers in any order. Building on the meaning of addition and subtraction from the last two units, these strategies replace counting every object. Next, they learn matching strategies for subtraction.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Chapter 3?
- Adding in any order or grouping, like adding 2 + 8 first in 2 + 6 + 8 because it makes ten. Learn more: Adding in any order to make it easier
- Counting on 1, 2, or 3 from the bigger addend, such as saying 10, 11 for 9 + 2. Learn more: Counting on and back to add and subtract
- Using doubles, doubles plus one, and make a ten to find sums within 20, such as 9 + 4 = 10 + 3. 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
- Roll two dice and add by counting on from the bigger number. When a double comes up, say the fact quickly, like "5 and 5 is 10."
- Draw two rows of five boxes on paper to make a ten-frame. Put 9 cereal pieces in it and 4 beside it, then slide one in to fill it. Ask why 10 + 3 matches 9 + 4.
- Ask doubles on a walk, then the double plus one: "What's 6 + 6? So what's 6 + 7?" Let your child explain how one helps.
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting on 9 from 2 instead of counting on 2 from 9.
- Treating 5 + 6 as a new fact rather than seeing it as the double 5 + 5 plus one.
- Splitting the wrong number when making ten, turning 9 + 4 into 9 + 1 + 4.
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
- count on
- Start at one number and count up to add.
- doubles
- A number added to itself, like 6 + 6.
- doubles plus one
- A double with one more added, like 6 + 7 = 6 + 6 + 1.
- make a ten
- Split a number to fill a ten first, like 8 + 5 = 8 + 2 + 3.
- addend
- A number being added, like 3 and 4 in 3 + 4.
- sum
- The answer when you add, like 7 in 3 + 4 = 7.
Want to help your child master addition strategies?
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 Go Math! Grade 1 Chapter 3 cover?
Go Math! Grade 1 Chapter 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.