Mathematics Foundation
First grade mathematics builds a solid foundation in number sense through hands-on exploration with real objects. Students discover mathematical relationships by counting, grouping, measuring, and solving problems that connect to their daily experience.
Year-End Mathematics Goals
- Count and write numbers 0-100 with understanding of quantity
- Add and subtract within 20 using multiple strategies
- Understand place value for tens and ones
- Measure length using non-standard and standard units
- Identify and describe basic 2D and 3D shapes
- Tell time to the hour and half-hour
- Count money using pennies, nickels, and dimes
36-Week Mathematics Curriculum
First Quarter (Weeks 1-9): Number Foundation
Week 1: Numbers All Around Us
Counting objects 1-10, recognizing numerals, one-to-one correspondence
Week 2: More and Less
Comparing groups, using "more than" and "less than", ordering numbers 1-10
Week 3: Making Groups
Counting by groups, skip counting by 2s and 5s, organizing collections
Week 4: Numbers to 20
Counting and writing 11-20, teen number patterns, using ten frames
Week 5: Addition Stories
Joining groups together, "and" stories, introduction to + symbol
Week 6: Subtraction Stories
Taking away objects, "take apart" stories, introduction to - symbol
Week 7: Number Bonds to 5
Ways to make 5, part-part-whole relationships, fact families
Week 8: Number Bonds to 10
Ways to make 10, ten as a benchmark number, doubles facts
Week 9: Review and Assessment
Practice counting, comparing, and basic addition/subtraction to 10
Second Quarter (Weeks 10-18): Addition and Subtraction
Week 10: Adding Within 10
Counting on strategy, using fingers and manipulatives
Week 11: Subtracting Within 10
Counting back strategy, crossing out objects
Week 12: Fact Families
Related addition and subtraction facts, three-number relationships
Week 13: Adding to Make 10
Make 10 strategy, using ten frames effectively
Week 14: Adding Beyond 10
Adding to teen numbers, understanding 10 + more
Week 15: Subtracting from Teen Numbers
Taking from numbers 11-20, breaking apart tens
Week 16: Word Problems
Solving addition and subtraction problems from stories
Week 17: Mental Math Strategies
Near doubles, making 10, counting on from larger number
Week 18: Review and Assessment
Fluency practice with facts to 10, problem solving
Third Quarter (Weeks 19-27): Place Value and Measurement
Week 19: Counting to 50
Extending number line, patterns in counting
Week 20: Tens and Ones
Bundling objects, understanding place value to 20
Week 21: Numbers to 100
Counting by 10s, hundred chart patterns
Week 22: Comparing Two-Digit Numbers
Greater than, less than, equal to with teen numbers
Week 23: Length and Height
Comparing objects, using non-standard units to measure
Week 24: Using Rulers
Introduction to inches, measuring small objects
Week 25: Weight and Capacity
Heavy/light, holds more/less, using balance scales
Week 26: Time Concepts
Hour and minute hands, telling time to the hour
Week 27: Review and Assessment
Place value, measurement, and time practice
Fourth Quarter (Weeks 28-36): Geometry and Money
Week 28: 2D Shapes
Circles, squares, triangles, rectangles - identifying attributes
Week 29: 3D Shapes
Cubes, spheres, cones, cylinders in the real world
Week 30: Shape Patterns
Creating and extending patterns with shapes and colors
Week 31: Money Introduction
Penny, nickel, dime - recognizing and counting value
Week 32: Counting Coins
Skip counting by 5s and 10s with nickels and dimes
Week 33: Data and Graphs
Sorting objects, making simple bar graphs and charts
Week 34: Addition and Subtraction Review
Fluency practice, challenging word problems
Week 35: Math in Daily Life
Using math skills in cooking, shopping, building
Week 36: Year-End Assessment
Comprehensive review of all first grade math concepts
Our Mathematics Philosophy
Concrete Before Abstract
Students manipulate real objects before working with numbers on paper. This builds genuine understanding rather than memorization.
Multiple Strategies
Children learn various ways to solve problems, developing flexibility and choosing methods that make sense to them.
Real-World Connections
Math problems come from children's experiences - counting toys, measuring their height, sharing snacks equally.
Number Sense Over Speed
We emphasize understanding quantity, relationships, and patterns rather than rushing to memorize facts.