Common Core: 1st Grade Math

This subject covers foundational math concepts for first graders, including addition, subtraction, and basic number sense.

Basic Concepts

Number Sense and Counting

Understanding Numbers

Numbers help us count things all around us, from apples in a basket to steps we take. Knowing how to count and recognize numbers is the first step in learning math.

Counting Up and Down

We can count forward: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...
And we can count backward: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

Recognizing Numbers

Each number has its own shape and name.
The number 5 means five objects, like five fingers.

Comparing Numbers

Sometimes we want to know which number is bigger or smaller.
Is 7 more than 4? Yes! 7 is bigger.

Where Do We Use Numbers?

Numbers are everywhere! We use them for telling time, counting toys, and even sharing snacks with friends.

Examples

  • Counting the crayons in your box to see how many you have.

  • Comparing the number of books on two shelves to see which has more.

In a Nutshell

Learning to count, recognize, and compare numbers helps us understand how many things there are.

Key Terms

Number Sense
Understanding numbers and how they work.
Counting
Saying numbers in order to find out how many.
Compare
To see which number is greater, smaller, or if they are equal.