Grade 1 Math: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 1 math in the BC Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Numbers to 20 represent quantities that can be decomposed into 10s and 1s.
- Addition and subtraction with numbers to 10 can be modelled concretely, pictorially, and symbolically to develop computational fluency.
- Repeating elements in patterns can be identified.
- Objects and shapes have attributes that can be described, measured, and compared.
- Concrete items can be represented, compared, and interpreted pictorially in graphs.
Easy ways to practise math at home
- Count everyday things out loud: stairs, grapes, steps to the car.
- Sort laundry or toys into groups, then ask which group has more.
- Spot shapes on a walk: circles on signs, rectangles on doors.
- Make patterns with snacks or blocks (red, blue, red, blue) and let your child continue them.
What each unit covers
Numbers to 20
Counting, ordering and comparing numbers to 20, and seeing teen numbers as 1 ten and some ones.
Make 10
Finding pairs that make 10 (like 6 + 4) with ten frames, fingers and stories. Making 10 is a key strategy for adding.
Adding
Adding to 20 with pictures, ten frames, number lines and short stories, using strategies like counting on, doubles and making 10.
Take Away
Subtracting within 20 by counting back and thinking addition, and solving short take-away and compare stories.
Equal or Not
Learning that = means "the same amount as" (not just "the answer is"), and using ≠ when two sides are different.
Patterns
Finding the repeating part (the core) of patterns like AB, ABB and ABBC, including patterns where colour and shape both change.
Measuring
Measuring length with paper clips and cubes, comparing longer and shorter, heavier and lighter, and seeing why same-size units matter.
Shapes
Naming and comparing 2D shapes by their sides and corners, and 3D objects by their faces and whether they roll or stack.
Coins
Knowing the values of Canadian nickels, dimes and quarters, counting small amounts, and trading coins of equal value.
Graphs & Chance
Reading picture and bar graphs (how many, most, fewest, how many more) and talking about how likely everyday events are.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Emerging
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Developing
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Proficient
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Extending
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the BC report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Grade 1 child with math?
Count everyday things out loud: stairs, grapes, steps to the car. Sort laundry or toys into groups, then ask which group has more. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
What does my child learn in Grade 1 math in BC?
The BC Curriculum Grade 1 math units include numbers to 20, make 10, adding, take away, equal or not, patterns.
Free printable Grade 1 math practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.