Unit Plan 2 (Grade 1 Math): Add & Subtract within 10

Focus: Use objects, drawings, and number sentences to represent addition and subtraction in context; develop efficient counting and reasoning strategies within 10.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Mathematics (Operations & Algebraic Thinking)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students deepen understanding of joining and separating situations and connect stories to models and equations within 10. The week emphasizes count on/back, make-a-ten (as useful), doubles/near doubles, and clear explanations.

Essential Questions

• How can I show a story problem with pictures, tools, and an equation?
• Which strategy (count on, count back, doubles, make a ten) fits this problem best—and why?
• How do I check that my answer makes sense?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Represent addition/subtraction stories within 10 using counters, ten-frames, number lines, and equations with an unknown.
2. Use counting strategies (count on/back), doubles/near doubles, and decomposing numbers to solve efficiently.
3. Explain thinking with a because statement and verify using a self-check (recount, act out, or estimate).
4. Choose a representation that matches the story and label parts (part, whole, sum, difference).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 1 (threaded across the unit)

• 1.OA.1: Represent and solve addition and subtraction word problems within 10.
• 1.OA.5–1.OA.6: Relate counting to addition/subtraction; add/subtract within 10 using strategies.
• Mathematical Practices: MP.2 (reason abstractly and quantitatively) emphasized; MP.1–MP.6 supported through routines.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can model a story and write an equation with an unknown.
• I can pick a strategy that fits (count on/back, doubles, make a ten) and explain why.
• I can check my work and fix mistakes.