Grade One Homeschool Syllabus

Counting to 100 with Tens-Ones Blocks, Comparisons, and Hundreds-Ready Patterns

You can count up to 100 by using tens and ones. Tens means 10 together. Ones means 1 at a time. When we group 10 as a “tens block,” counting feels easier and faster.

We will also compare numbers to see which one is greater (bigger) and which one is less (smaller). And you will practice counting patterns that help you get ready for bigger numbers in later classes.

You’ll find ideas for a complete Grade 1 homeschool plan too: Maths, English, Computer, and GK, with separate PDF per subject and about 200-300 questions per full workbook. We’ll use the same kind of clear steps here, so you can build number sense in a fun way.

How Tens and Ones Build Your Number Sense

Here’s the main idea: every number is made of tens and ones.

1. Make tens by grouping blocks into sets of 10.

2. Add ones by counting the extra blocks left over.

3. Compare numbers by checking which has more tens first.

4. Use counting patterns: count by 10s, then count on by ones.

When you see a number like 34, you can think: 3 tens (30) and 4 ones (4). That means 34 is bigger than 29 because it has more tens.

Worked Example: 34 vs 29 (Using Tens and Ones)

We use tens-ones blocks to compare 34 and 29.

Step 1: Make 34 with blocks: 3 tens and 4 ones.

Step 2: Make 29 with blocks: 2 tens and 9 ones.

Step 3: Compare tens first: 3 tens is more than 2 tens.

Step 4: So 34 is greater than 29.

34 is greater than 29.

Your Turn: Draw, Circle, Match, and Colour

Try these fun activities to practice tens, ones, and comparisons:

• Draw tens-ones blocks for the number 26, then add ones until it matches 26.
• Circle the bigger number in each pair: 41 and 39; 50 and 48; 72 and 70.
• Match: draw lines to connect the number to the picture idea (like “4 tens and 2 ones” to 42).
• Colour: colour 3 groups of 10 dots and then colour 5 extra dots to make 35.

Can you find and point to two numbers in your home (like on a book cover or snack pack) and tell me which one is greater and which one is less?