Grade 1 Mathematics Lesson Plan: Addition and Subtraction up to 15

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Grade 1 Mathematics Lesson Plan: Addition and Subtraction up to 15

Materials Needed:

  • Counters or beads
  • Number cards (1-15)
  • Addition and subtraction worksheets
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Interactive addition and subtraction games on a tablet or computer (if available)

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of addition and subtraction within 15.
2. Solve basic addition and subtraction problems using concrete objects.
3. Recognise and use symbolic representation for addition (+) and subtraction (-).

Vocabulary:

  1. Addition: The process of finding the total or sum by combining two or more numbers.
  2. Subtraction: The process of finding the difference between numbers by taking one number away from another.
  3. Sum: The result of adding two or more numbers.
  4. Difference: The result of subtracting one number from another.
  5. Equation: A mathematical statement that shows the equality of two expressions.

Previous Learning:

In previous lessons, students learned to count up to 20 and began to understand basic addition and subtraction using numbers up to 10. They also learned to recognise and write numbers up to 20.

Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:

  • Challenge: Students may mix up addition and subtraction operations.
  • Solution: Use clear, visual aids and consistently model the processes of adding and subtracting with physical objects.
  • Challenge: Some students might struggle with linking physical counters to abstract number concepts.
  • Solution: Provide ample practice with manipulatives before transitioning to abstract representations.

Beginning Activities (4 minutes):

  1. Introduction (2 minutes): Briefly review counting from 1 to 15 with the class. Use a number chart and ask a few students to point out and count numbers aloud.
  2. Activate Prior Knowledge (2 minutes): Pose a simple addition problem using fingers (e.g., “Show me 3 fingers, now add 2 more. How many fingers do you have?”). Do the same for subtraction (e.g., “Show me 5 fingers, now take away 2. How many are left?”).

Middle Activities (32 minutes):

  1. Direct Instruction (10 minutes):
  2. Demonstrate addition and subtraction using counters or beads. Show how to combine and take away objects to solve problems.

  3. Write out related number sentences on the whiteboard (e.g., 7 + 5 = 12, 9 – 3 = 6).



  4. Guided Practice (12 minutes):


  5. Distribute counters and number cards to pairs of students. Pose various addition and subtraction problems for them to solve using the materials.

  6. Circulate the classroom, providing assistance and ensuring all students understand the tasks.



  7. Independent Practice (10 minutes):


  8. Distribute worksheets with a mix of addition and subtraction problems.
  9. Encourage students to solve the problems independently, but offer help when needed.

End Activities (4 minutes):

  1. Exit Ticket Activity (4 minutes):
  2. Hand out a simple worksheet with 3 addition problems (e.g., 4 + 3 = ) and 3 subtraction problems (e.g., 10 – 4 = ).
  3. Collect the exit tickets to assess understanding.

Assessment and Checks for Understanding:

  • Monitor students during guided and independent practice.
  • Review exit tickets to gauge individual student understanding.
  • Ask verbal questions throughout the lesson to ensure concepts are clear.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:

  • For struggling learners: Provide additional practice with manipulatives and offer more one-on-one guidance. Use simpler problems and increased repetition.
  • For advanced learners: Challenge them with more complex problems or higher numbers if they quickly master sums up to 15. Encourage them to create their own problems for a peer to solve.

Teaching Notes:

  • Reinforce the concept of addition as “putting together” and subtraction as “taking away.”
  • Use plenty of visual aids and physical objects to help students grasp the concepts.
  • Provide positive reinforcement to build confidence, such as praise and stickers.
  • Ensure materials and tasks are accessible for students with special needs, such as larger print on worksheets or tactile counters.

This lesson plan provides a structured approach to teaching addition and subtraction up to 15 for Grade 1 students, ensuring alignment with the CAPS curriculum and catering to diverse learning needs.