Reveal Math Grade 1, Unit 1: Math All Around Us
In this unit, your child starts first grade by spotting math in everyday moments and telling simple adding and subtracting stories about them. Children act out stories, draw them, and match them to number sentences. This gentle start leads into the next unit, where they learn strategies for adding within 10.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 1?
- Telling and solving everyday adding and subtracting stories within 20, using objects, drawings, and equations, or number sentences, like 5 + 3 = 8. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems 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
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
- Notice math together during the day, like 4 people at the table and 2 more arriving. Ask your child to tell the story and say how many in all.
- Act out a take-away story with toys: line up 9 cars and drive 3 away. Ask your child how many are left and to say the number sentence.
- Invite your child to draw a picture story, such as 6 birds on a fence and 2 flying off, then write the matching equation together.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding every time two numbers appear, even when the story says some went away.
- Counting some dots twice in a drawing, mixing up which dots belong to which group.
- Writing the numbers in a different order from the story, like 3 - 9 for 9 cars with 3 leaving.
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 groups together to find how many in all.
- subtract
- Take some away, or find how far apart two numbers are.
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign, like 6 + 2 = 8.
- in all
- Words that ask how many there are when the groups are put together.
- number story
- A short story that ends with a math question to solve.
- total
- How many there are altogether.
Want to help your child master math stories?
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 Reveal Math Grade 1 Unit 1 cover?
Reveal Math Grade 1 Unit 1 covers this math standard. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 1.OA.A.1: Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems.
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.