1.OA.5: Relate Counting to Addition and Subtraction

Visual Models

1. Number Line Jumps

Use a number line to show how counting forward (jumping right) is adding and counting backward (jumping left) is subtracting.

Example: To solve 7 + 3, start at 7 and make 3 jumps forward: "8, 9, 10"

Example: To solve 8 - 2, start at 8 and make 2 jumps backward: "7, 6"

2. Counting Fingers

Use fingers to count up or count back to solve addition and subtraction problems.

Example: For 4 + 3, hold up 4 fingers, then count "5, 6, 7" while raising 3 more fingers

Example: For 9 - 4, hold up 9 fingers, then count "8, 7, 6, 5" while putting down 4 fingers

3. Counting Cubes or Counters

Use physical objects to demonstrate how counting relates to adding and subtracting.

Example: To add 5 + 3, start with 5 counters, then count "6, 7, 8" as you add 3 more

Example: To subtract 7 - 2, start with 7 counters, then count "6, 5" as you remove 2

Everyday Activities

1. Counting Steps

When walking up or down stairs, practice counting forward or backward. "We're on step 3, let's go up 4 more steps. Count with me: 4, 5, 6, 7."

2. Snack Math

Use snacks like crackers or fruit pieces for counting practice. "You have 5 grapes. If I give you 3 more, let's count to find out how many you'll have: 6, 7, 8."

3. Counting-On Board Game

Play board games that involve moving pieces. Instead of counting from 1 each time, practice counting on from the current position.

4. Counting Backward Rocket

Draw a rocket and countdown from 10 to 1, then yell "Blast off!" Extend to higher numbers for more challenge.

5. Addition and Subtraction Stories

Create simple word problems about your child's interests. "You have 7 toy cars. If you get 2 more for your birthday, how many will you have? Let's count: 8, 9."

6. Count the Hops

Have your child hop, jump, or clap a certain number of times, then add or subtract by counting more or stopping early.

Strategies When Your Child Struggles

1. Use Physical Objects

If your child struggles with the abstract concept, use physical objects they can touch and move. Have them physically add or remove objects while counting.

2. Practice Counting Sequences

Strengthen basic counting skills by practicing counting forward and backward from different starting points. For example, "Start at 7 and count forward 3 numbers" or "Start at 12 and count backward 4 numbers."

3. Start with the Larger Number

Teach your child to start with the larger number when adding, then count on. For example, for 3 + 8, start with 8 and count on 3 more: "9, 10, 11"

4. Use Visual Supports

Draw number lines or use a printed hundred chart to help your child see the counting patterns. Highlight or mark the numbers as they count.

5. Connect to Familiar Contexts

Use scenarios your child understands: "You have 6 stickers and get 2 more. Let's count: 7, 8. Now you have 8 stickers."

5-Minute Practice Activities

Activity 1: Count-On Cards

Create cards with simple addition problems (numbers 1-10). Have your child solve them by counting on from the first number. For example, for 5 + 3, they would say "5... 6, 7, 8."

Activity 2: Count-Back Challenge

Give your child subtraction problems within 20. Have them solve by counting backward. For example, for 15 - 3, they would say "14, 13, 12."

Activity 3: Missing Numbers

Say a sequence like "7, 8, ___, 10" and have your child fill in the missing number. This reinforces the connection between the counting sequence and addition/subtraction.

Activity 4: Hop the Line

Draw a number line on paper or with chalk outside. Call out addition or subtraction problems and have your child physically hop forward or backward to solve.

Activity 5: Counting Jar

Fill a jar with small objects (beans, buttons, etc.). Have your child take out a handful, count them, then add or remove a specific number by counting forward or backward.

By the middle of the year, your child should:

• Count on by 1, 2, or 3 to add
• Count back by 1, 2, or 3 to subtract
• Use a number line to count on or back

By the end of the year, your child should:

• Fluently count on to add within 20
• Fluently count back to subtract within 20
• Use efficient counting strategies (starting with larger number)
• Apply counting strategies to solve word problems

Mastery Signs

Your child understands this concept when they can:

• Automatically choose efficient counting strategies
• Count on or back without using fingers or physical aids
• Explain why counting on or back works for addition and subtraction
• Apply counting strategies to solve problems in various contexts
• Use counting strategies as a mental math tool

Below Grade Level

If your child is struggling with relating counting to addition and subtraction, these resources focus on building foundational skills with smaller numbers and more support.

Download Remediation Worksheet

At Grade Level

These resources provide practice at the first grade level, focusing on relating counting to addition and subtraction within 20.

Download Reinforcement Worksheet

Above Grade Level

If your child has mastered relating counting to addition and subtraction, these resources extend their learning with more challenging problems and mental math strategies.

Download Enrichment Worksheet