Grade 1 Math: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 1 math in the Ontario Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- B1 Number Sense: Demonstrate an understanding of numbers and make connections to the way numbers are used in everyday life
- B2 Operations: Use knowledge of numbers and operations to solve mathematical problems encountered in everyday life
- C1 Patterns and Relationships: Identify, describe, extend, create, and make predictions about a variety of patterns, including those found in real-life contexts
- C2 Equations and Inequalities: Demonstrate an understanding of variables, expressions, equalities, and inequalities, and apply this understanding in various contexts
- C3 Coding: Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations using coding concepts and skills
- C4 Mathematical Modelling: Apply the process of mathematical modelling to represent, analyse, make predictions, and provide insight into real-life situations This overall expectation has no specific expectations. Mathematical modelling is an iterative and interconnected process that is applied to various contexts, allowing students to bring in learning from other strands. Students’ demonstration of the process of mathematical modelling, as they apply concepts and skills learned in other strands, is assessed and evaluated. Read more about the mathematical modelling process.
- D1 Data Literacy: Manage, analyse, and use data to make convincing arguments and informed decisions, in various contexts drawn from real life
- D2 Probability: Describe the likelihood that events will happen, and use that information to make predictions
- E1 Geometric and Spatial Reasoning: Describe and represent shape, location, and movement by applying geometric properties and spatial relationships in order to navigate the world around them
- E2 Measurement: Compare, estimate, and determine measurements in various contexts
- F1 Money and Finances: Demonstrate an understanding of the value of Canadian currency
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 50
Tens and ones, counting by 2s, 5s and 10s, and comparing and ordering numbers up to 50.
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.
Add & Subtract to 50
Adding and taking away two-digit numbers (totals up to 50) in number stories and equations, and seeing that the two operations undo each other.
Fair Shares
Sharing things fairly among 2 or 4 people, what is left over, halves and fourths, and groups of equal size.
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.
Data & Graphs
Sorting by one attribute, reading picture graphs and bar graphs, and comparing groups.
Impossible, Possible, Certain
Using the words impossible, possible and certain, and using spinners to say which colour is most likely.
Shapes
Naming and comparing 2D shapes by their sides and corners, and 3D objects by their faces and whether they roll or stack.
Where Is It?
Using words like above, below, between, in front and behind, and following steps from one place to another.
Measuring
Measuring length with paper clips and cubes, comparing longer and shorter, heavier and lighter, and seeing why same-size units matter.
The Calendar
Reading a monthly calendar, naming the days and months in order, and knowing the seasons.
Money to $50
Knowing what each Canadian coin and bill is worth, counting small amounts and comparing values.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Level 1
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Level 2
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Level 3
- Has it! Level 3 is the provincial standard. Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Level 4
- 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 Ontario 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 Ontario?
The Ontario Curriculum Grade 1 math units include numbers to 50, make 10, adding, take away, add & subtract to 50, fair shares.
Free printable Grade 1 math practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.