Illustrative Mathematics Grade 1, Unit 8: Putting It All Together
In this unit, first graders bring the whole year together. They revisit story problems within 20, count and write numbers to 120, compare lengths, and describe shapes by their attributes, or features. It follows last unit's shapes and time, and wraps up first grade with practice that helps adding and subtracting, counting, and measuring feel solid for second grade.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 8?
- Revisiting every kind of story problem within 20 and explaining which strategy they chose and why. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 20
- Counting to 120 from any number and writing numbers in that range with confidence. Learn more: Counting, reading, and writing numbers to 120
- Comparing and ordering lengths, and using one object to compare two others that can't be lined up. Learn more: Ordering three things from shortest to longest
- Describing shapes by their attributes and explaining why a shape belongs, or doesn't, in a group. Learn more: What makes a triangle a triangle
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
- Ask your child to make up a story problem about your day, like the number of steps to the door, and solve it together. Then make one up for them.
- Count as high as you can together while waiting somewhere, starting at a different number each time, and check the jumps at 100 and 110.
- Pick three household objects and ask your child to order them by length, then describe each one's shape, like "The box has 6 flat sides."
Where kids can get stuck
- Choosing to add whenever a story has the word "more," even in a comparing story.
- Writing one hundred ten as 10010, putting 100 and 10 side by side.
- Saying a shape is a triangle because it looks pointy, not by counting its sides.
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
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign, like 5 + 3 = 8.
- unknown
- The number we don't know yet, shown with a box or question mark.
- numeral
- The written symbol for a number, like 25.
- length
- How long something is from one end to the other.
- compare
- Look at two things to see which is bigger, longer, or the same.
- attribute
- A feature of a shape, like how many sides or corners it has.
- side
- A straight line that makes part of a shape's edge.
- vertex
- A corner, where two sides of a shape meet.
Want to help your child master first grade math?
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 Illustrative Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 8 cover?
Illustrative Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 8 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.