1st Grade · Operations & Algebraic Thinking
1.OA.C.5: Relate counting to addition and subtraction
1.OA.C.5 is a 1st grade Common Core math standard in Operations & Algebraic Thinking. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Relate counting to addition and subtraction (e.g., by counting on 2 to add 2).
In plain words
Relate counting to addition and subtraction.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
What number do you get if you start at 4 and count on 2?
- 6
- 5
- 7
Where students can get stuck
- Starting over at 1 every time, counting out all 7 blocks and then 2 more to solve 7 + 2.
- Counting the starting number as the first step, saying "7, 8" for 7 + 2 and answering 8 instead of 9.
- Losing track of how many steps have been counted on past 3 or 4, then stopping too early or going too far.
Effective teaching strategies
- Cover a row of 7 cubes with paper, place 2 more cubes beside it, and have students start at 7 and say 8, 9 instead of recounting from 1.
- Model counting on from 7 by saying 7 first, then raising one finger for each number said afterward, so the starting number is never counted as a step.
- Have students tap a pencil once for each step as they count on 4 from 6, stopping at 4 taps, then count back 4 from 10 the same way.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 1.OA.C.5 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Everyday Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Math Expressions
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Counting on and back to add and subtract for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice problem solving at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.