Grade 1 Mathematics Lesson Plan: Basic Addition and Subtraction within 20

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Lesson Plan Title

Grade 1 Mathematics Lesson Plan: Basic Addition and Subtraction within 20

Materials Needed

  • Textbook: School-approved Mathematics Grade 1 textbook
  • Worksheets: Basic addition and subtraction problems within 20
  • Manipulatives: Counting blocks or beads
  • Technology: Interactive whiteboard or a computer with an internet connection for engaging mathematics games
  • Craft supplies: Colored pencils, erasers, and paper

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to understand and perform basic addition and subtraction within 20.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to use manipulatives to solve addition and subtraction problems.
  • Students will be able to verbally express their thought process when solving problems.

Vocabulary

  1. Addition: The process of combining two or more numbers to get a total.
  2. Subtraction: The process of taking one number away from another.
  3. Sum: The result of addition.
  4. Difference: The result of subtraction.
  5. Equals: Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value.

Previous Learning

Students have already learned how to count from 1 to 20 and have been introduced to the concepts of “more than” and “less than.” They have previously engaged in simple addition and subtraction using numbers up to 10.

Anticipated Challenges and Solutions


  • Challenge: Difficulty in understanding subtraction as taking away.

    Solution: Use plenty of hands-on activities and visual aids like counting blocks or beads.



  • Challenge: Confusion between addition and subtraction symbols.

    Solution: Reinforce learning through repetition and visual differentiation (e.g., using different colours for addition and subtraction symbols).


Beginning Activities (4 minutes)

  • Introduction (2 minutes): Greet students and briefly explain the day’s objectives. “Today, we are going to learn more about adding and taking away numbers up to 20.”
  • Activate Prior Knowledge (2 minutes): Quick warm-up activity with counting from 1 to 20 aloud as a class.

Middle Activities (32 minutes)

  • Direct Instruction (10 minutes): Explain basic addition and subtraction using an interactive whiteboard. Demonstrate with simple examples (e.g., 3+5=8, 10-4=6) and use counting blocks to show the process visually.
  • Guided Practice (10 minutes): Hand out manipulatives to students. Guide students through a few addition and subtraction problems using the blocks. Walk around to assist students as needed.
  • Independent Practice (8 minutes): Provide worksheets with basic addition and subtraction problems. Allow students to work individually, utilizing manipulatives if necessary.
  • Interactive Game (4 minutes): Use an online mathematics game that focuses on addition and subtraction within 20 to reinforce learning.

End Activities (4 minutes)

  • Class Discussion (2 minutes): Recap what was learned. Ask a few students to share how they solved a problem from their worksheet.
  • Exit Ticket (2 minutes): Quick activity where students solve a simple addition or subtraction problem on a small piece of paper and hand it in as they leave.

Assessment and Checks for Understanding

  • Direct Observation: Monitor students during guided and independent practice.
  • Worksheets: Review completed worksheets to check for accuracy.
  • Exit Ticket: Assess students’ answers for understanding of basic concepts.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners

  • Scaffolding: Provide extra manipulatives and one-on-one support for students struggling with the concepts.
  • Extension Activities: Offer more complex addition and subtraction problems for students who grasp the basics quickly.
  • Visual Aids: Use posters with visual examples of addition and subtraction to support visual learners.
  • Oral Support: For auditory learners, explain problems aloud and encourage students to verbalise their thought process.

Teaching Notes

  • Educational Value: This lesson builds foundational skills in basic arithmetic, crucial for future mathematical learning.
  • Effective Delivery Tips: Encourage participation, use positive reinforcement, and be patient with students who need extra help.
  • Accessibility Considerations: Ensure that all materials, including manipulatives and worksheets, are within easy reach for all students. Provide larger text worksheets for visually impaired students if needed. Ensure the interactive whiteboard is visible to everyone.

By planning in detail and considering all students’ needs, this lesson aims to create an inclusive and effective learning environment.