At the beginning of first grade, I start out teaching subitizing. This is knowing how many are in a group of objects without counting. Dice and dominoes are great tools for this.
Next we move on to using a number line. Making a classroom number line is a fun and meaningful way to create a tool that can be used throughout the year.
Next up we begin learning about number bonds.
Wholes of 5-10, one or two per week.
This mat is made with a page protector and mini erasers from Target.
This worksheet mixes number bonds with addition sentences to help students understand that they are the same thing just written in a different way.
On this worksheet students color all the ways to make 8. The ending result is stair steps.
Number Bond Practice:
Make your own abacus:
Also included are crafts for each whole 5-10.
There are also centers to play.
There are story problems, one for each day. Here is an example. The file is editable so you can type in your students' names and they appear throughout the document.
This example is from Unit 3 but shows that these can be used in many different ways.
There are flashcards organized by number bond.