One of the very first addition strategies we introduce in 1st grade is counting on. Instead of starting from 1 every time, students learn to begin with the larger number and count on. This is such an important bridge between basic counting and more efficient mental addition strategies. It helps students build number sense, fluency, and confidence with adding! In this post, I’m going to share hands-on ideas for introducing and practicing counting on to add in 1st grade!
Why Teach Addition Strategies in 1st Grade?
Teaching a variety of Addition Strategies is so important to create flexible problem solvers and build fact fluency!
I tell my students that our addition strategies are like tools in our Strategy Toolbox. When we need to add, we can pull out a tool or strategy to help us! You can read more about all the addition strategies we learn in 1st grade here!
Counting on to add is an essential part of our addition strategies unit!
Why is the Counting On Strategy Important?
Counting on is the first mental math strategy we learn in 1st grade! Instead of starting all the way back at 1 every time, students learn that they can start with the bigger number and just keep counting on. This helps them solve addition problems so much faster and builds their confidence right away.
Counting on also lays the foundation for other important strategies like making 10, using doubles, and more. It’s such a simple shift, but it makes a huge difference in helping students move from basic counting to becoming real problem solvers.
Introducing the Counting On Strategy with Mini Lesson Slides
During our whole group math time, I love using mini lesson slides to teach! My lessons are prepped and ready to go ahead of time and the visuals help keep students engaged. I also have students bring a dry erase board and marker to the rug and sit next to a partner for turn and talks to share thinking! This allows all students to be active participants in the lesson.
During the lesson we,
- Go over our learning objective
- Review important vocabulary
- Introduce the strategy and model
- Practice solving problems together.
In the lesson we learn to find the biggest addend and lock it into our brain. Then we count on the smaller addend.
You can find all of my addition teaching slides here!
Acting Out the Strategy with Students
I also love to get kids up and moving while acting out addition problems! I give students a story such as: They were 5 kids at the park and 4 more kids join. How many are there all together? We identify the biggest addend (5) and I choose 5 students to stand in a group. Then I choose for more students to line up in a row next to them. We start by saying 5 and counting on 4 more!
Using a Counting On Math Mat in Small Groups
Math mats are my favorite no prep small group activity! This mat is the perfect way to introduce and practice counting on in a concrete, hands-on way. This math mat is perfect for practicing the counting on strategy!
Counting On Solve the Room Activity in Centers
Solve the Room is our favorite math center that we use every week in my 1st grade classroom! Each week, I tape a set of task cards around our classroom. When students visit this center, they grab a clipboard and recording sheet and walk around looking for the task cards. They solve the problem and write it on their paper. When they are finished they get to “be the teacher” and visit our classroom grading station to check their own work! They absolutely love it! You can read more about Solve the Room here!
This Counting On Solve the Room is such a fun way to practice this strategy during our center time!
Using a Number Line to Count On
For students who need more support with the counting on to add stategy, I always keep number lines available as a tool for adding. Students learn to find the biggest addend on the number line and hop the smaller addend to find the sum.
Addition Strategy Poster
After we learn each new addition strategy, we add a strategy poster to our math wall. These help to remind students there are multiple ways to solve problem. During our addition unit, the wall fills with visuals that empower students to choose the strategy that makes the most sense to them. It’s also a great reference point during small groups or independent practice—students know exactly where to look if they need a little reminder!
Want your addition unit (including these Counting On lessons and activities) planned for you? Check out my Happy Math Addition Unit here! It has everything you need to introduce and teach addition to 20 in 1st grade!
