Grade 1: Mathematics

Here is the Mathematics curriculum for Grade 1 in British Columbia, presented with the content first.

Grade 1 Mathematics Content (BC Curriculum)

The learning standards for Grade 1 Math are organized into the following content areas.

1. Number: Number Sense and Computational Fluency

• Counting:

  • Count by 1s forward and backward from 0 to 100.

  • Count by 2s, 5s, and 10s to 100.

• Number Concepts:

  • Recognize, describe, and represent numbers to 20, concretely, pictorially, and symbolically.

  • Estimate quantities to 20.

  • Compare and order numbers to 20.

• Addition and Subtraction:

  • Demonstrate understanding of addition and subtraction to 20.

  • Recall addition and subtraction facts to 10.

• Financial Literacy:

  • Count and make change using coins and bills up to $20.

  • Create simple financial plans, such as a plan to save for a purchase.

2. Patterns and Relations

• Patterns:

  • Describe, extend, compare, and create repeating patterns.

• Variables and Equations:

  • Solve one-step addition and subtraction equations with an unknown number (e.g., 4 + *a* = 7).

3. Geometry and Measurement

• Measurement:

  • Estimate, measure, and compare using non-standard units (e.g., cubes, paper clips) for length, mass, and capacity.

• Time:

  • Read and write time to the hour and half-hour using analog and digital clocks.

• 2D Shapes and 3D Objects:

  • Sort, describe, and compare 2D shapes and 3D objects.

• Data:

  • Construct and interpret concrete graphs and pictographs.

4. Statistics and Probability

• Data Analysis:

  • Construct and interpret concrete graphs and pictographs.

• Probability:

  • Conduct probability experiments and describe the likelihood of possible outcomes using words such as:

    • Impossible, Possible, Certain

Curricular Competencies (The “Doing” of Mathematics)

These are the processes students use to engage with the mathematical content.

• Reasoning and Analyzing:

  • Use reasoning to explore and make connections.

  • Estimate reasonably.

  • Develop mental math strategies and abilities to make sense of quantities.

• Understanding and Solving:

  • Visualize to explore mathematical concepts.

  • Develop, construct, and apply mathematical understanding through play, inquiry, and problem solving.

  • Engage in problem-solving experiences that are connected to place, story, and cultural practices.

• Communicating and Representing:

  • Explain and justify mathematical ideas and decisions.

  • Communicate mathematical thinking in multiple ways.

  • Use mathematical vocabulary and language to contribute to mathematical discussions.

• Connecting and Reflecting:

  • Reflect on mathematical thinking.

  • Connect mathematical concepts to each other and to real-life situations.

  • Incorporate First Peoples worldviews and perspectives to make connections to math.

Big Ideas (The Core Concepts)

These are the key understandings students should retain from Grade 1 Math.

• Number: Development of computational fluency in addition and subtraction with numbers to 100 requires understanding of number patterns and relationships.

• Geometry and Measurement: We can describe, measure, and compare spatial relationships.

• Data and Probability: Analyzing and interpreting experiments in data probability develops an understanding of chance.

Key Changes & Focus for Grade 1

• A major focus on developing number sense to 20, including composing and decomposing numbers (e.g., 7 is 5 and 2).

• Building fluency with addition and subtraction facts to 10.

• Introduction to skip counting (2s, 5s, 10s) as a foundation for multiplication.

• Using non-standard units for measurement.

• Learning to tell time to the hour and half-hour.

• Developing the language to describe 2D shapes and 3D objects.

• Solving for a missing number in simple equations.