First Grade · Math · week 9

Checkpoint: strategy talk within 20

Choose and explain an efficient strategy for any addition or subtraction fact within 20.

This is a checkpoint week -- a chance to show off every strategy you have learned: count on, doubles, doubles plus one, make-ten, count back, and think addition.

There is no single right strategy for every problem. The goal is to pick one that fits the numbers and solve it with confidence.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Do a warm, relaxed mix of problems and ask "which strategy did you use?" after each one.
  • There is no need to introduce anything new this week -- celebrate what already works.
  • Notice which strategy your child reaches for first, and which facts are already automatic.
  • If a strategy still feels shaky, spend a few extra minutes on it before moving forward.
Talk about it:
  • Which strategy do you like best so far?
  • How did you solve today's trickiest problem?
  • Which facts are automatic for you now, no strategy needed?

Mastery looks like: They solve mixed addition and subtraction facts within 20 and can name the strategy used.

Common stumbles: Freezing when no strategy is suggested; using a slow strategy, like counting by ones, when a faster one would work.

See it visually

Interactive, spoken-aloud tools that show this idea in motion.

SubtractionTake away and count back, step by step.try →AdditionSee groups combine — with counters, blocks, and the number line.try →
Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Math for this learner.
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