Welcome to the BCPS First Grade Math Information Page!
First Grade Math Content
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The Baltimore County Public Schools elementary mathematics program is designed so that each student has access to rigorous instruction and engages in the habits of mind of proficient mathematical thinkers.
In Grade 1, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) developing understanding of addition, subtraction, and strategies for addition and subtraction within 20; (2) developing understanding of whole number relationships and place value, including grouping in tens and ones; (3) developing understanding of linear measurement and measuring lengths as iterating length units; and (4) reasoning about attributes of, and composing and decomposing shapes.
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Proficient Mathematical Thinkers
- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
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Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
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Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
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Model with mathematics.
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Use appropriate tools strategically.
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Attend to precision.
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Look for and make use of structure.
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Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
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(1) Students develop strategies for adding and subtracting whole numbers based on their prior work with small numbers. They use a variety of models, including discrete objects and length-based models (e.g., cubes connected to form lengths), to model add-to, take-from, put-together, take-apart, and compare situations to develop meaning for the operations of addition and subtraction, and to develop strategies to solve arithmetic problems with these operations. Students understand connections between counting and addition and subtraction (e.g., adding two is the same as counting on two). They use properties of addition to add whole numbers and to create and use increasingly sophisticated strategies based on these properties (e.g., “making tens”) to solve addition and subtraction problems within 20. By comparing a variety of solution strategies, children build their understanding of the relationship between addition and subtraction.
(2) Students develop, discuss, and use efficient, accurate, and generalizable methods to add within 100 and subtract multiples of 10. They compare whole numbers (at least to 100) to develop understanding of and solve problems involving their relative sizes. They think of whole numbers between 10 and 100 in terms of tens and ones (especially recognizing the numbers 11 to 19 as composed of a ten and some ones). Through activities that build number sense, they understand the order of the counting numbers and their relative magnitudes.
(3) Students develop an understanding of the meaning and processes of measurement, including underlying concepts such as iterating (the mental activity of building up the length of an object with equal-sized units) and the transitivity principle for indirect measurement.
(4) Students compose and decompose plane or solid figures (e.g., put two triangles together to make a quadrilateral) and build understanding of part-whole relationships as well as the properties of the original and composite shapes. As they combine shapes, they recognize them from different perspectives and orientations, describe their geometric attributes, and determine how they are alike and different, to develop the background for measurement and for initial understandings of properties such as congruence and symmetry.
First Grade Math Curriculum
In first grade, students focus on addition and subtraction, place value, and shapes. Throughout the year they:
- Add and subtract with numbers to 20, including with story problems
- Become fluent with addition and subtraction facts to 10
- Count to 120 and learn about place value (ones, tens, hundreds)
- Identify, sort, and draw shapes
- Fit shapes together to make other shapes, solve puzzles, and talk about fractions
Bridges uses visual models to make the mathematics accessible to all learners. One way that children approach math is through pictures. For example, your child might look at the picture shown and answer questions like, “What did you notice about this picture? Where do you see the numbers in the picture? How can you use the picture to help solve the problem?”
When you talk with your child about their math work, it might sometimes seem unfamiliar or different than you remember. But there are still many ways you can help them explore math! By being open to learning and talking with your child, you can help your child develop strong skills and a love of math.
First Grade Math Family Support Resources