Maryland Math K.AT.A.1
The Standard
Represent addition and subtraction situations (presented with numerals or mathematical symbols) within 10 with objects, fingers, drawings, sounds (e.g., claps), acting out situations, using verbal explanations, and/or writing expressions and equations.
Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for Mathematics (2025) · SOLVE PROBLEMS INVOLVING ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Children show what happens in addition and subtraction problems within 10 using objects, fingers, drawings, sounds, or actions. They explain what was added or taken away and how many there are now.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A child sees 6 - 2, sets out six cubes, removes two, and says four remain. For 3 + 4, they make two groups, join them, and count seven.
Common Misconceptions
- Some children add when they see a minus sign because they focus on the numbers, not the action. Others draw only the answer, so their drawing does not show what was joined or taken away.
How to Assess It
- Give each child an exit ticket with 4 + 3 and 6 - 2. Have them draw dots to show each action and write how many they get.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs ten linking cubes; show 4 + 2 and 7 - 3, and have them build each problem by joining or removing cubes.
Show 5 - 2 and ask, 'How would you act this out with five toy bears? What happens to two bears?'
Play symbol match: children match cards showing 2 + 3 and 5 - 2 to drawings, then explain each match.
At snack, put six crackers on a plate, remove two, and ask children to draw what happened before counting what remains.
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Printable K.AT.A.1 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to K.AT.A.1, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 2.NOS.C.8.a
Use strategies based on counting (e.g., counting on, counting back) and place value (e.g., partial sums, making tens, etc.) to add and subtract.
- K.AT.A.2
Solve addition and subtraction problems in context (add to, take from, put together/take apart) within 10 and represent by using objects, drawings, and/or equat...
- 2.AT.A.2
Use addition and/or subtraction within 100 to solve two-step problems in context involving any situation or position of an unknown by using objects, drawings, a...
- 2.AT.A.1
Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve one-step problems in context involving an unknown in any situation or position by using objects, drawings, and ...
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