Fact families: 1st grade
In first grade, fact families focus on addition and subtraction within 20. Children learn that three numbers make two addition facts and two subtraction facts.
In first grade, fact families focus on addition and subtraction within 20. Children learn that three numbers can make two addition facts and two subtraction facts, using objects, drawings and number bonds. This page covers what first graders learn, examples, activities and printable practice.
What first graders learn about fact families
- Addition can be done in either order. 3 + 5 = 8 and 5 + 3 = 8 (Common Core 1.OA.B.3).
- Subtraction is a missing addend problem. 8 − 3 asks “what do I add to 3 to make 8?” (1.OA.B.4).
- Fluency within 10, then within 20. Children use strategies such as counting on and making ten (1.OA.C.6).
In England the same ideas are called number bonds and related facts, and they begin in Year 1.
Fact family examples for first grade
- 2 + 3 = 5
- 3 + 2 = 5
- 5 − 2 = 3
- 5 − 3 = 2
- 1 + 6 = 7
- 6 + 1 = 7
- 7 − 1 = 6
- 7 − 6 = 1
- 4 + 5 = 9
- 5 + 4 = 9
- 9 − 4 = 5
- 9 − 5 = 4
- 3 + 7 = 10
- 7 + 3 = 10
- 10 − 3 = 7
- 10 − 7 = 3
Activities to try
- Counters in a part-part-whole mat. Put 8 counters in the whole box. Slide some to each part box and say the facts: “3 and 5 make 8. 8 take away 3 is 5.”
- Dice houses. Roll two dice, write the numbers in the rooms of a fact family house, then add for the roof.
- Triangle flash cards. Cut out fact family triangles, cover one corner and name the number.
Printable practice for 1st grade
1st grade fact family worksheet
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Where children often get stuck
- Mixing up which number is the whole. Point to the biggest number and call it the “total”.
- Writing only two facts. Ask “can you swap them?” to prompt the other addition fact.
- Subtracting in the wrong order. A subtraction fact always starts with the whole.
Frequently asked questions
What are fact families for first graders?
They are sets of addition and subtraction facts that use the same three numbers, such as 2 + 3 = 5, 3 + 2 = 5, 5 − 2 = 3 and 5 − 3 = 2.
When do children start fact families in Year 1?
Number bonds and related addition and subtraction facts start in Year 1, with numbers within 10 and then 20.
Next, read about 2nd grade fact families, or start from the basic fact family guide.