1st gradeAddition and Subtraction31 pagesPrintable PDF

1st Grade Math: Balance It

$4.99$3.4930% off, ends Saturday, Oct 31

Six scripted lessons that teach the equal sign as a balance, then missing numbers, with every student page in three levels.

Made for learners who
lose track when counting or mix up numbersneed a picture to see what the numbers meanget overwhelmed by busy, crowded math worksheetswrite numbers slowly or find small boxes hard
$4.99$3.49one-time, yours to keep
Wiggle Launch Sale: 30% off, ends Saturday, Oct 31
Instant download, saved to My Library
Prints clean in black and white
Grown-up guide included
One classroom or one family
Save $10.40 with the bundle
1st Grade Math Skills Bundle: All 11 Skills
All 11 for $27.99 instead of $38.39
See the bundle

How it works

Every lesson follows the same calm pattern, so your group always knows what comes next and you never have to plan.

1

Teach once

Open the grown-up page. It tells you what to say, what to watch for, and gives answers for all three levels.

2

Pick a level

Circle gives more support, triangle is on level, star is a stretch. Same skill, same day.

3

Short lessons

About 15 to 20 minutes each, with big boxes to write in and a picture whenever it helps.

What's inside

6 scripted lessons
Each with a one-page grown-up script: warm up, I do, we do, you do, plus what to watch for and answers for every level.
Three levels on every page
A circle, triangle and star page for every lesson, all practicing the same skill on the same day.
From Same on Both Sides to Take Away by Thinking Add
1. Same on Both Sides; 2. True or False; 3. Both Sides Work; 4. Find the Missing Part; 5. Missing Anywhere; 6. Take Away by Thinking Add.
The Balance It method
The equal sign is a balance, not a sign that means the answer goes next. Both sides must weigh the same. Every lesson shows a pan balance: when the sides match it stays level, when they do not it tips. Kids read 3 + 2 = 4 + 1 as two sides that weigh the same, then use that idea to find a missing number anywhere, and to take away by thinking add.
Show What You Know check
A one-page check at the end, with answers and what to do next.

Using it

At home

Go at your learner's pace, one step or one page at a time. Read the grown-up guide once and you're ready, no teaching background needed.

In a classroom

Run it as an intervention, a small group or independent practice. It prints clean on the school copier.

Questions

Is this a full curriculum?

It is one complete first grade math skill, taught in six lessons. Each title in the 1st Grade Math series covers a different skill, so together they cover the whole first grade year.

How do I choose a level?

Start at triangle. If a page is easy and correct, move up to star. If it brings tears, step down to circle. The skills match, so moving is easy.

Do I need any other materials?

A pencil. For warm ups, 20 small things (cereal, buttons, blocks). A coat hanger with two cups makes a fine real balance, but it is optional.

Can I print only one level?

Yes. Each lesson has one grown-up page, then the circle, triangle and star pages. The Start Here page lists the exact pages.

How do I get my files?

Right after checkout you'll see download buttons, and we email you a link too. Everything is saved in My Library to re-download anytime.

Will it print in black and white?

Yes. Every page is designed to print clean in black and white on a home printer or a school copier.

Can I use it with a whole class?

Yes. One purchase covers one classroom or one family. Buying for several teachers or a whole school? See school licenses.

What if I have a problem or a question?

Because these are instant digital downloads, all sales are final. If something isn't working the way you hoped, or you have any question at all, email hello@wiggle-wise.com and we'll help.

1st Grade Math: Balance It
$4.99 $3.49 · 30% off