Grade 1 Math: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 1 math in the Alberta Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Number and operations: children interpret and explain quantities to 100 and count forward, back and by 2s, 5s and 10s.
- Addition and subtraction: children combine and take apart quantities within 20 and recall addition facts to 20 and the related subtraction facts.
- Fractions: children begin with one half as one of two equal parts.
- Patterns: children identify, describe and extend repeating patterns.
- Geometry: children sort and describe 2D shapes and 3D objects.
- Measurement and time: children measure length with non-standard units and explain days and months as cycles.
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.
Numbers to 100
Reading and building numbers to 100 with tens and ones, comparing them, and seeing that two names can mean the same amount.
Count It Up
Counting forward within 100, back from 20, by 2s to 20, and by 5s and 10s to 100, plus seeing small amounts at a glance (subitizing).
Equal or Not
Learning that = means "the same amount as" (not just "the answer is"), and using ≠ when two sides are different.
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.
One Half
One half means 1 of 2 equal parts. Children share items fairly between two people and see that two halves make a whole.
Patterns
Finding the repeating part (the core) of patterns like AB, ABB and ABBC, including patterns where colour and shape both change.
Shapes
Naming and comparing 2D shapes by their sides and corners, and 3D objects by their faces and whether they roll or stack.
Measuring
Measuring length with paper clips and cubes, comparing longer and shorter, heavier and lighter, and seeing why same-size units matter.
Days & Months
The days of the week and months of the year as cycles that start over, with words like yesterday, today and tomorrow.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Beginning
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exceeding
- 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 Alberta 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 Alberta?
The Alberta Curriculum Grade 1 math units include numbers to 20, numbers to 100, count it up, equal or not, make 10, adding.
Free printable Grade 1 math practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.