Maths in Year 1 (age 5–6)
At this age, here are some things your child is likely to be doing:
- Reading and writing numerals to at least 100 in numerals and in words
- Finding one more or less than any number
- Read, write and interpret mathematical statements involving addition (+), subtraction (-) and equals (=)
- Recognising, finding, naming and writing simple fractions of a length, shape, set of objects or quantity
- Measure and record the length, height, weight or volume of different objects
- Recognise and talk about the value of different denominations of coins and notes
- Tell the time to the hour and half past the hour, drawing the hands on a clock face to show these times
- Ordering and arranging objects in patterns and sequences
- Recognise and name common 2D and 3D shapes including squares, circles and pyramids
- Describing position, direction and movement
Different ways to teach and learn maths at school
Maths will normally be taught on a daily basis, in a timetabled lesson, but children practise and use their maths throughout the school day.
From the outset, there will be a lot of focus on developing basic maths skills, such as remembering basic addition and subtraction facts, for example, 9 – 6 and 4 + 6. Teachers often set aside part of each lesson to devote to this learning.
Assessment
Assessment for young children is informal and discrete and helps to inform the teacher’s planning so they can support each child in their class.