This 1st grade math unit is jam-packed with first grade math worksheets, games, and activities for grade 1 students! You can use this as a supplement to your curriculum or use it solely as your skill practice for relating counting to addition and subtraction.
$7.00
Help your students connect counting to addition and subtraction with this 1st Grade Counting On Math Unit! Filled with counting on worksheets, interactive games, and creative activities, this unit helps students develop fluency in adding and subtracting by counting forward and backward — a foundational strategy for number sense and mental math.
Students will learn how to start from any number and count on to find sums or count back to find differences, setting them up for success in more advanced operations later in the year.
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This counting on worksheets resource includes multiple formats for whole-class, small-group, and independent practice:
10 Counting On Worksheets: Students practice adding and subtracting by counting on and counting back using number lines, ten frames, and manipulatives.
10 Math Riddles: Students solve clever riddles that apply counting strategies to find the correct answers. Perfect for early finishers or enrichment!
Flash Cards: Students play “Math War,” comparing sums to see who has the higher total. Great for partner centers!
Emoji Math Sort: Students determine whether each answer is correct and place a smile or frown emoji on each card.
Game #1: Line Them Up! Teams race to put task cards in correct order based on counting on or counting back.
Game #2: Build a Donut Shop! Students earn donut pieces for each correct answer. The first to complete their shop wins!
Game #3: Whole-Class “Bucket Filler!” Students solve counting task cards around the room and drop correct answers into the class prize bucket.
Game #4: Soccer Showdown! Each correct answer moves the ball toward the opponent’s goal — the first to score wins!
Game #5: Build a Bedroom Scene! Students earn bedroom items for each correct subtraction problem solved by counting back.
Game #6: Climb to the Top! A ladder-and-slide board game where students climb higher with each correct answer and slide down if incorrect.
Every activity includes recording sheets, answer keys, and black-and-white versions for easy prep and flexible classroom use.
This counting on worksheets unit can be used in many ways throughout your math block:
Whole-group instruction to introduce counting on and counting back strategies
Small-group rotations to support differentiation
Math centers for engaging, independent practice
Partner games for teamwork and competition
Homework or take-home review to reinforce learning
Each game and worksheet reinforces addition and subtraction fluency while keeping lessons hands-on and engaging.
This 1st grade math unit aligns with Common Core 1.OA.5, helping students:
Relate counting to addition and subtraction
Add and subtract fluently by counting on or counting back
Understand that counting is a strategy for finding sums and differences
Students practice applying counting strategies in visual, numerical, and real-world contexts to build confidence and fluency.
Teachers love how this counting on math unit blends skill-building with fun and movement. The low-prep worksheets, game variety, and interactive formats make it easy to engage every student — from those just beginning to grasp counting strategies to those ready for challenge extensions.
Students enjoy the themed games like Build a Donut Shop and Soccer Showdown, which make math feel like playtime while still targeting critical fluency goals. Teachers appreciate the consistent structure across all activities and the mix of practice, play, and assessment-friendly resources.
By combining counting on, counting back, and problem-solving, students build a solid foundation for mental math and efficient addition and subtraction strategies.
This 1st Grade Math Unit is part of a complete year-long bundle designed to make math instruction easy and engaging. Each unit includes worksheets, games, and activities that align with key standards and provide a balanced mix of fun and rigor.
• See All 1st Grade Math Units
• 1st Grade Math Classroom Transformations (Themed Learning Days Perfect for Review!)
• 1st Grade Hands-On Math and Reading Activities
• 1st Grade Math Mysteries
• 1st Grade Math Task Cards
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Planning to use this resource with more than one teacher or classroom?
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