Year 1 Numbers and place value games | Maths

Learning about numbers and place value

In this Year 1 maths collection, you can practise 1 more and 1 less, Numbers on a number line to 20. Choose a game above for a short activity, or explore the examples below before you play. The full guide for each game explains its controls, gives more examples and includes a free printable for practice away from the screen.

Talk it through

Use counters, a drawing or a number line before moving to a mental method. Ask your child to explain a choice, then change one number and try the method again.

Ask: “How could you show the same answer another way?” Give your child time to explain. Return to an example after playing and ask whether they would approach it differently.

1 more and 1 less

Finding 1 more or 1 less than a number is one of the first things children learn about how numbers are ordered. 1 more than 6 is 7, the next number when counting forwards. 1 less than 6 is 5, the number before it.

Try an example: What is 1 more than 47?

Count on one from 47: the next number is 48. Only the ones digit changes, from 7 to 8.

Show the answer

What to look out for

Saying 1 less than 40 is 49 or 30. Count back slowly: 42, 41, 40, 39. Point to the numbers on a 100 square so children see 39 sits just before 40.

Read the full 1 more and 1 less guide

Numbers on a number line to 20

A number line shows numbers in order with equal spaces between them. Year 1 pupils learn to identify and represent numbers using objects, pictures and the number line, and to use the language of equal to, more than, less than, most and least.

Try an example: Put 7 on the number line.

7 is between 5 and 10. From 5, count two jumps right: 6, 7.

Show the answer

Two ticks to the right of 5

What to look out for

Counting the starting tick as 1. Place a finger on the start number and say '0' (or '10'), then count each jump.

Read the full Numbers on a number line to 20 guide

Practise away from the screen

On the stairs, step up for 1 more and down for 1 less, saying each number.
Make a number line with chalk on the pavement or masking tape on the floor, and jump to numbers you call out.

Curriculum connections

These games support selected practice connected to Place value in the National Curriculum in England. Use your school’s sequence to decide when to introduce and revisit each skill. A game covers selected examples, rather than assessing every requirement.

Read the official Maths programme of study.

Questions families ask

Where should we start with numbers and place value?

Start with 1 more and 1 less. Look at the worked example together, then try a round. If the task feels unfamiliar, use the full game guide or its free printable before trying again.

Does this cover everything taught at this level?

No. This collection brings together the games currently available for this learning area. It supports selected skills and does not replace the full programme of study or practical teaching.