Saxon Math Grade 1, Section 1: Counting Writing & Addition Concepts
In this unit, first graders count, read, and write numbers, working toward 120, and learn what addition means. They solve simple adding stories and learn to count on from a number instead of starting at 1. It opens the year, and next they learn subtraction facts and begin place value, seeing numbers as tens and ones.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 1?
- Solving simple adding and taking-away stories by acting them out and writing a matching number sentence. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 20
- Counting on from a number to add 1, 2, or 3, like saying 8, 9, 10 for 7 + 3. Learn more: Counting on and back to add and subtract
- Counting forward from any number and writing numerals neatly, working toward 120. Learn more: Counting, reading, and writing numbers to 120
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 together throughout the day, starting at different numbers, like counting the stairs from 20. Ask your child to write a few of the numbers down.
- Hide 7 spoons under a towel, add 3 more on top, and ask your child to count on from 7 to find how many there are now.
- Tell an adding story while folding laundry: "Here are 5 socks; I add 2. How many now?" Let your child write the number sentence.
Where kids can get stuck
- Starting at 1 every time instead of counting on from the first number.
- Reversing digits in teen numbers, writing 31 for thirteen because the word starts with "thir."
- Stopping too early when counting on 3, losing track of how many steps were counted.
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.
- numeral
- The written symbol for a number, like 25.
- add
- Put amounts together to find how many in all.
- sum
- The answer when you add, like 7 in 3 + 4 = 7.
- number sentence
- Numbers and symbols that tell a math fact, like 5 + 3 = 8.
- plus sign
- The symbol + that means add.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with counting and adding?
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 Saxon Math Grade 1 Section 1 cover?
Saxon Math Grade 1 Section 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.