Year 1 Maths

Chapters to explore

Count one object at a time and say one number for each object. The last number tells us how many altogether. Moving the same objects does not change the total. Ten ones can be grouped as one ten.

Try it: Count a collection in two arrangements. Group ten and record the total.

Addition joins amounts. Subtraction can take an amount away or find how many remain. Number bonds are pairs that make a total. Knowing the pairs that make 10 helps with other calculations.

Try it: Make all the pairs that total 10 using two colours of counters.

Equal groups contain the same number. Share objects one at a time so each person receives the same amount. Counting in twos is useful when objects come in pairs.

Try it: Share safe objects between two toys. Check that both groups are equal.

A flat shape has a boundary. A triangle has 3 straight sides. A rectangle has 4 straight sides and 4 square corners; a square is a special rectangle with equal sides. Position words describe where something is.

Try it: Sort shapes by their sides. Describe where one shape is in relation to another.

Compare lengths by lining up one end. Use the same small unit repeatedly without gaps or overlaps. Mass describes how much matter an object has; a balance can compare masses. Capacity describes how much a container can hold.

Try it: Measure two objects using the same blocks and record which is longer.

Days and events can be put in order. On an analogue clock, the long hand shows minutes and the short hand shows hours. At an o’clock time, the long hand points to 12. Coins have values, not just sizes.

Try it: Make a daily sequence and show an o’clock time on a paper clock.

Zero means none of the objects being counted. Compare two groups by matching one object from each group. A group with unmatched objects has more. The arrangement does not change the count.

Try it: Compare two collections by pairing objects.

Solid objects have three dimensions. A cube has six square faces. A sphere has a curved surface and no flat face. A cylinder has two flat circular faces and a curved surface. Models may only approximate these mathematical shapes.

Try it: Find safe objects resembling three solids and describe their surfaces.

A word problem describes a situation using numbers. Identify what is known and what is being asked. Use objects or a drawing, then check whether the answer fits the story. More does not always mean add without reading carefully.

Try it: Invent and solve a small take-away story.

Learning together

Each chapter brings together teaching, an example, practice and a practical discovery. Use the material with discussion and suitable offline activities. Choose a comfortable starting point and revisit explanations as needed.