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Grade 1 Math Units

Unit Plan 4 (Grade 1 Math): Compare & Model Problems to 20

Solve Grade 1 word problems to 20 using models and equations, understand the equal sign, find unknowns, and compare quantities with >, <, and = for clear mathematical reasoning.

Dr. Michael Kester-Haynes

• 5 min read
Unit Plan 4 (Grade 1 Math): Compare & Model Problems to 20

Focus: Solve word problems to 20 with unknowns in all positions and use comparison symbols to represent and discuss quantities.

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 problem solving to 20 by modeling situations (add to, take from, put together, compare) and representing them with equations. They learn to treat the equal sign as “the same value as,” judge true/false equations, and use comparison symbols to communicate relationships clearly.

Essential Questions

  • How can a model (drawings, ten-frames, number lines, tape diagrams) help me see the problem?
  • What does the equal sign really mean? When is an equation true or false?
  • How do comparison symbols show which amount is greater than, less than, or equal to another?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

  1. Solve one-step word problems to 20 with unknowns in all positions using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown.
  2. Explain the meaning of the equal sign and decide if equations are true or false.
  3. Determine the unknown number that makes an equation true.
  4. Use comparison symbols and math language (more than/fewer than) to compare and justify quantities.

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

  • 1.OA.1–2: Represent/solve addition and subtraction word problems within 20; add three numbers (as applicable).
  • 1.OA.7: Understand the equal sign; determine if equations are true or false.
  • 1.OA.8: Determine the unknown number in an equation.
  • Mathematical Practices: MP.4 (model with mathematics) emphasized; MP.1–MP.3, MP.5–MP.8 threaded.

Success Criteria — Student Language

  • I can draw and write an equation with a □ (or ?) to show the unknown.
  • I can tell if an equation is true or false and explain why.
  • I can use >, <, and = to compare and justify which is more/less or the same.