i-Ready Classroom Mathematics Grade 1, Unit 6: Data and Word Problems
In this unit, first graders end the year by organizing data, or information, into up to three categories and reading tally charts and picture graphs. They solve word problems of every kind within 20, including comparing problems that ask how many more or fewer. After shapes, time, and measuring in the last unit, this brings their adding and subtracting back to real questions.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 6?
- Solving every kind of word problem within 20, especially ones asking how many more or how many fewer. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 20
- Organizing data in up to three categories and using the chart to answer 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
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
- Count the kinds of fruit in the kitchen and make a tally chart with three rows. Ask how many pieces in all and how many fewer are in the smallest group.
- Make up comparing stories at dinner: "You have 9 peas and I have 5. How many more do you have?" Match them up to check.
- Ask friends or family a question with three answers, draw a picture graph together, and invite your child to write one question about it for you.
Where kids can get stuck
- Answering 9 for "9 apples and 5 pears; how many more apples?" instead of 4.
- Adding only the biggest group when asked how many there are in all.
- Skipping an item while sorting, so the chart shows 11 when there were 12.
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
- data
- Information collected to answer a question, like everyone's favorite fruit.
- category
- A group that things are sorted into.
- tally chart
- A chart that uses tally marks to count things in each group.
- picture graph
- A graph that uses pictures to show how many are in each group.
- how many more
- A question asking how much bigger one amount is than another.
- how many fewer
- A question asking how much smaller one amount is than another.
- in all
- The total when groups are put together.
Want to help your child master word problems?
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 i-Ready Classroom Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 6 cover?
i-Ready Classroom 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.