Support for Grade 1 Families
If your child is using Bridges Grade 1, you may find the resources below helpful.
What Your First Grader Will Learn (PDF)
Your child’s teacher may use the Math Skills & Concepts Student Report to communicate with you about how your child is doing in math class. This report is meant to provide an overall picture of your child’s progress at a given point in the year. It does not include every skill or idea your child will study in math class. To get a more complete picture of how your child is doing, you can also read your school’s report card, talk to your child’s teacher, and ask to see examples of your child’s work including class work and tests. Revised standards in some states expect students to master some of the skills we have designated as “beyond first grade.” For example, updated Washington standards require first graders to read, write, compare, and order numbers to 120.
Math with Your First Grader (PDF)
This handout offers advice on how to help with homework and make math a fun and useful part of family life.
Parents as Partners
The Oregon Council for Teachers of Mathematics (OCTM) offers a pamphlet to assist parents in their efforts to support and encourage their children in mathematics. You can download the pamphlet in both English and Spanish. (Click on the version you want.)
Math Vocabulary for Grade 1 (PDF)
Click here to refresh your memory of key terms you may need to help with your first grader’s homework. Definitions include examples and pictures. If you want to look up other words, we recommend using A Maths Dictionary for Kids, which includes definitions, examples, animations, and even practice games.
Home Connections for Grade 1
Pages and assignments from Home Connections book.
| English Home Connections 1-5 Home Connections 6-10 Home Connections 11-15 Home Connections 16-18 |
Spanish Home Connections 1-5 Home Connections 6-10 Home Connections 11-15 Home Connections 16-18 |
Online Skills Practice for Grade 1
Age-appropriate computer games can help your child practice basic skills. The links below will take you to free online games that may be helpful and fun for your first grader. (You may need to update the browser on your computer or install free plugins like Flash or Shockwave for these games to work.)
Play each game first to make sure it matches your child’s interests and abilities. You might need to help your child get started with each game. If your child has trouble focusing, the graphics may be too distracting. Young children benefit from hands-on experiences and interaction with other people, so when you have time, play board games and talk to your child about the math he or she is doing. There is no substitute for your interest and involvement!
Counting
Speedy Pictures 1 A small quantity of dots, beads, eggs, or fingers is displayed for a few seconds, and the player clicks on the matching number. The quantities are displayed in groupings that lead children away from counting one by one, toward recognizing small groups, counting on, and adding to find the total.
Numeral and Word Matching
The Number Game The player matches numerals and words (2 and two, for example). Your child might need you to read the words out loud.
Number Ordering (Strategy)
Golf Solitaire The player moves cards that are 1 more or 1 less than the card shown. Talk to your child about how he or she can make strategic choices when more than one move is possible. Your child could also play this game with a deck of cards after learning to play it online.
Basic Addition
Speedy Pictures 2 Similar to Speedy Pictures 1, players race to beat a timer as they add the number of dots shown on 2 dice, the number of fingers shown on two hands, or the number of beads shown in two rows. This one is a winner!
Add ‘Em Up The player chooses the correct answer to basic addition problems. If the player selects an incorrect answer, the problem is shown with pictures to help the player add the two numbers.
Basic Subtraction
Take It Away The player chooses the correct answer to basic subtraction problems. If the player selects an incorrect answer, the problem is shown with pictures to help the player find the difference between the two numbers.
Repeating Patterns
Pattern Mania The player looks at a repeating pattern and then chooses the item that comes next. Ask your child to explain how he or she can tell what comes next and to show you where the pattern starts and where it ends.
More Games
The two sites below contain some of the best games for elementary math students. Look through the sites to find other games for your child to play.
Primary Games
Math Games on Fun School
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
Math Books for Grade 1
Reading books with mathematical themes can help students improve their skills and foster a good attitude toward math. This list will direct you to books that you and your child may enjoy. Your librarian, bookseller, and other Web sites can guide you to more wonderful children’s books that address mathematical themes.
Counting & Number Sense
Anno's Counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno
1,2,3 to the Zoo by Eric Carle
Let’s Count by Tana Hoban
Two Ways to Count to Ten by Ruby Dee
12 Ways to Get to 11 by Eve Merriam (used in Bridges Grade 2)
365 Penguins by Jean-Luc Fromental
Adding & Subtracting
Each Orange Had 8 Slices by Paul Giganti
Rooster's Off to See the World by Eric Carle
12 Ways to Get to 11 by Eve Merriam (used in Bridges Grade 2)
Time
Bats Around the Clock by Kathi Appelt
Telling Time with Big Mama Cat by Dan Harper
Cluck O'Clock by Kes Gray
Money
Benny's Pennies by Pat Brisson (used in Bridges Grade K)
Jenny Found a Penny by Trudy Harris
Jelly Beans for Sale by Bruce McMillan
Geometry
So Many Circles, So Many Squares by Tana Hoban
Shapes, Shapes, Shapes by Tana Hoban
Cubes, Cones, Cylinders, & Spheres by Tana Hoban
Measurement
How Big Is a Foot? by Rolf Myller
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