Grade 1 Math in Newfoundland and Labrador
Grade 1 math in Newfoundland and Labrador introduces children to the building blocks of mathematics. Students learn to count forward and backward, skip count by 2s, 5s, and 10s, and read and write numerals. These early number skills set the stage for everything that follows in math education.
Number Sense and Counting
A big focus in Grade 1 is understanding what numbers mean — not just reciting them. Students use ten frames to recognize dot arrangements, describe relationships between numbers and 5 or 10, and count sets of objects in different ways. They also learn about conservation of number, which means understanding that rearranging a group of objects does not change how many there are.
Addition and Subtraction
Grade 1 students in NL begin to solve addition and subtraction story problems using objects, pictures, and symbols. They learn mental math strategies like counting on, counting back, making 10, using doubles, and thinking addition for subtraction. Writing related addition and subtraction facts helps reinforce these concepts.
Patterns and Equality
Students explore repeating patterns, learn to describe them using letter codes, and identify patterns in daily life. They also work with equality, using a balance scale to compare sets and represent equalities with manipulatives, pictures, and symbols.
Measurement and Geometry
Grade 1 math also covers measurement attributes such as length, height, mass, capacity, and area. Students compare and order objects based on these attributes. In geometry, they sort 2-D shapes and 3-D objects, reproduce composite shapes, and identify 3-D objects in the environment that have parts similar to 2-D shapes.
- Number sequences and skip counting
- Ten frames and number recognition
- Counting sets and conservation of number
- Addition and subtraction strategies
- Repeating patterns and equality
- Measurement and geometry