Adding and taking away
Grade 1 · Math
Explore numbers, spot patterns and explain how you worked it out.
Choose a game
Take your time, try a game and collect stars.
Number bonds to 10
Match number bond pairs that make 10. A free Grade 1 math game with a printable game and worksheet.
Play Number bonds to 10Adding and subtracting within 20
Race the clock to add and subtract numbers to 20, including missing number problems. Free Grade 1 math game.
Play Adding and subtracting within 20
Learning about adding and taking away
In this Grade 1 math collection, you can practice Number bonds to 10, Adding and subtracting within 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.
Number bonds to 10
A number bond is a pair of numbers that join together to make a total. The number bonds to 10 are 0 + 10, 1 + 9, 2 + 8, 3 + 7, 4 + 6 and 5 + 5, plus the same pairs the other way round. There are 11 ways to make 10 with whole numbers, starting at 0 + 10 and finishing at 10 + 0.
Try an example: 3 + ? = 10
Start at 3 and count on to 10: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 is 7 steps. Or recall the bond 3 and 7.
Show the answer
7
What to look out for
Counting on in ones every time. Counting is a good starting point, but aim for instant recall. Short, frequent practice (a minute or two a day) helps facts stick.
Adding and subtracting within 20
In the game, children balance the scales: they choose the number that makes both sides equal, such as 8 + ? = 15 or 9 + 6 = 10 + ?, which shows that = means “the same as”. The Quick quiz mixes four kinds of question: addition (8 + 5 = ?), subtraction (14 − 6 = ?), a missing first number (? + 4 = 11) and a calculation written the 'other way round' (7 = ? − 9). Seeing the equals sign in different positions teaches the important idea that = means 'is the same as', not 'here comes the answer'.
Try an example: 8 + 5 = ?
8 + 2 makes 10, and 3 more makes 13.
Show the answer
13
What to look out for
Thinking 7 = ? − 9 is 'back to front' and cannot be solved. Read the equals sign as 'is the same as'. Use a balance or see-saw picture: both sides must be worth the same.
Practice away from the screen
- Play 'hidden fingers': hold up 10 fingers, fold some down behind your back and ask how many are hidden.
- Play shop with toys priced up to 20¢ and work out totals and change.
Curriculum connections
Number bonds to 10
Supports part of Common Core 1.OA.C.6. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 1.OA.C.6. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
Adding and subtracting within 20
Supports part of Common Core 1.OA.C.6. This focused game does not cover the entire standard.
Common Core connection: 1.OA.C.6. This is focused practice for part of the standard.
Questions families ask
Where should we start with adding and taking away?
Start with Number bonds to 10. 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. These games provide focused practice. Grade suggestions do not replace your school’s curriculum, and any Common Core connection applies only to the skill described.