First Grade Math – Curriculum Overview 📐
First grade is the foundation of all math education. At this age, children move from intuitive counting to a more formal understanding of numbers and operations. This overview explains what is typically taught in first grade and how IloveMath supports each topic with free lessons and games.
Numbers and Counting
At the start of first grade, children learn numbers up to 10, then up to 20. It is important not only to recognize digits but to understand their order, what more and less mean, and how numbers are written.
On IloveMath, the "Numbers up to 10" and "Numbers up to 20" lessons explain these concepts with examples, exercises, and worksheets. Ordinal numbers (first, second, third) are introduced in a separate lesson because they are important in everyday speech.
Addition and Subtraction
Addition and subtraction are the core of first grade. Children first learn up to 10, then up to 20, and by the end of the year they are introduced to carry in addition and borrowing in subtraction:
- Addition up to 10 — combining small numbers, counting forward
- Subtraction up to 10 — taking away from a group, visual "removing"
- Addition with carry — when the sum exceeds 10 (e.g. 8 + 5)
- Subtraction with borrowing — when you cannot subtract from ones (e.g. 13 − 5)
Comparison and Patterns
Children learn to compare numbers using >, <, and = signs. The "Greater or Smaller" lesson on IloveMath uses a detective theme to make learning fun.
Even and odd numbers introduce children to patterns — numbers that can be split into two equal parts and those that cannot. Pattern recognition is the foundation for later algebra.
Tens and Ones
One of the most important topics at the end of first grade is place value — understanding that the digit 2 in the number 23 means 20, not just 2. This is essential for two-digit addition and subtraction.
The "Tens and Ones" lesson on IloveMath visually explains this concept and prepares children for second grade where work with larger numbers continues.
Suggested Learning Order
IloveMath lessons are organized in a logical order that follows a typical school plan:
- Level 1: Numbers up to 10 → Addition up to 10 → Subtraction up to 10
- Level 2: Numbers up to 20 → Greater/smaller → Even and odd
- Level 3: Addition with carry → Subtraction with borrowing
- Finish: Ordinal numbers → Tens and ones
How IloveMath Helps
Each topic has a dedicated lesson with explanation, examples, exercises, and answers. Beyond lessons, interactive tables and quizzes enable review. Memory games train concentration that supports math learning.
Everything is free, in Serbian and English, with no registration. Parents and teachers can start immediately — just open the Lessons page and begin with the first topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does IloveMath follow school curriculum?
Yes. Lessons cover standard first grade topics in most elementary schools.
Can my child skip lessons?
They can, but we recommend the order because each lesson builds on the previous one.
Are there tests?
Quizzes and games serve as informal knowledge checks. Exercises in lessons include answers.