First Grade Math Tests
The first grade is all about knowing your numbers. Being able to read them, write them, and count them. The goal for students is to understand the relationship that numbers share between one another. We explore how to add and subtract numbers. The best way to approach addition and subtraction with students is to present it as counting forward (adding) and then backward (subtracting). We end this school year helping students learn how to compare values and organize them into categories. There is minimal geometry at this level, but we do get into describing shapes. I never thought I would see such challenging material for this grade level. The curriculum has some what forced this level of assessment. I tried to tone down the confusing problems to make it more productive for students. Drop me a line if you feel that I missed anything for this level. Answer keys are found as the last pages on each test.
- Grade 1 Math Common Core Sampler Test - You will find a series of questions that mimic the most common questions that we see at this level on National Core based exams.
- Multiple Choice Questions Form A - This is the typical type of test questions you will see. You will find this filled with 33 problems that span the first grade curriculum.
- Multiple Choice Questions Version 2 - This version provides complete coverage of every single curriculum standard that your can think of.
- Multiple Choice Questions Version 3 - We focused more on the basic operations here, but they are presented in story based problems for your students.
- Short Response Questions Form B - Please note that this format takes students 50% longer to finish than the multiple choice section. There is a good deal of critical thinking and the problems are more drawn out.
- Extended Response Questions Form C - This specific format took me a very long time to complete. I tried my best to make it on a first grade reading level. It is amazing how you will make a test as a draft and be off with your wording.
- Operations and Algebraic Thinking Quiz - You will find that this section really lends itself to wordy problems. They may be a bit complex.
- Number & Operations in Base Quiz - This part of the curriculum focuses on place value and jumps within that system.
- Measurement, Data, and Geometry Quiz - This section begins fractions and works on measuring length and time. Geometry starts to peak its' head out a bit too.
Good Habits for First Grade Math Test Takers
The is really the first time students will begin to see what tests are in math class. Teachers will often begin with no time limits or very generous time limits. As the year progress on, tests are much more likely to be timed and students will need to adjust. Many first grade students have no concept where to begin studying and/or how to take a test. When it comes to studying, I would encourage students to have good study habits by helping them and their parents building a study schedule for themselves. It maybe just five to ten minutes spent on flashcards per day. It could also be some homework sheets that you sent home with them (hint, hint: you will find those above.) I would also encourage students to minimize distractions during this time. Put phones and tablets away when you are concentrating on your studies. It might even help you setup a timer to make sure that you are sticking to a timed amount of studying. Study buddies often are helpful. I would recommend you find a partner and one student acts like the teacher and asks questions, while the other acts as the student. After a few minutes, flip responsibilities.
There are a number of techniques that first graders will find can greatly help students on tests. Here are some strategies that we have found to work well for students:
Get a Routine - Some students will study only after it assigned to them. The very successful students are practicing their work on a daily schedule or routine. If you just tackle 15 minutes of work on practice problems on days when it was not assigned to you, it will come much easier to you. You will actually find that you will need to study less when you create a routine for yourself, and your scores will improve. When you see they work every day, it just gets easier than only peeking at it once or twice a week.
Breakdown Problems - Start by reading each problem twice. Underline or circle any word that would indicate a type of action you should take or a math operation that would be used. Outline the strategy that you will use to solve the problem. If the problem is multiple choice, cross out any answers that are not even close or simply are false.
Check Your Answer - One of the best ways to check your answer is to work backward and plug your answer into the equation or expression that you have used and see if it brings you back to the initial numbers you were given. If it does not, your math is off. Go back and check it.
We suggest that you begin your school year by sharing these methods with students. Understanding what to do from day one can have a huge impact and can lead to continual success.