Mathematics is one of the first subjects that helps children understand the world around them. Maths in Class 1 does not deal with hard sums or lengthy calculations. It is learning in the form of fun, pictures, activities, and real-life examples.
CBSE Class 1 Maths syllabus is developed in a very elementary and kid friendly manner. It concentrates on basic number sense, shapes, patterns and everyday life maths skills. The idea is to ensure that children become confident, happy, and interested in numbers.
In this blog, we will elaborate on all the topics discussed in the Maths CBSE Class 1 Std book such that parents and teachers have a clear idea of what children learn in Class 1 Maths.
Why Maths in Class 1 Is Very Important?
Before looking at the topics, it is important to understand why Maths is taught carefully at this level.
In Class 1:
Children are taught the working of numbers.
• They know how to count, compare and group.
• They begin to apply Maths in everyday life.
• They develop good foundations of the upper classes.
The maths book of CBSE class 1 is more of an understanding book rather than a memorising book. Children can learn through observation, touching, counting, and seeing.
Overview of Maths Topics in CBSE Class 1
The maths book class 1 contains the topics which gradually shift to the slightly difficult. Each chapter is structured with:
• Pictures
• Short questions
• Fun activities
• Practice problems
A clear topic-wise explanation of what is included is given below.
1. Numbers (1 to 100)
Numbers are the heart of Class 1 Maths. Children begin by learning numbers step by step.
They learn:
-
Counting numbers
-
Writing numbers
-
Reading numbers
-
Number names
-
Forward counting
-
Backward counting
Children also learn to:
-
Count objects
-
Match numbers with pictures
-
Identify missing numbers
This topic helps children understand how numbers are used in daily life, like counting toys, fruits, or steps.
2. Understanding Place Value (Ones and Tens)
Once children know numbers, they learn place value.
This means understanding:
-
Ones
-
Tens
For example:
-
15 = 1 ten and 5 ones
-
28 = 2 tens and 8 ones
This topic helps children:
-
Break numbers
-
Build numbers
-
Understand number size
Place value is taught using blocks, sticks, pictures, and examples, making it easy to understand.
Number-Based Topics in Class 1 Maths
|
Topic Name |
What Children Learn |
|
Counting Numbers |
Counting objects and numbers |
|
Number Names |
Reading and writing number names |
|
Place Value |
Ones and tens |
|
Number Comparison |
Bigger, smaller, equal |
|
Ordering Numbers |
Ascending and descending order |
3. Comparing Numbers
Children learn how to compare numbers using:
-
Greater than
-
Smaller than
-
Equal to
They understand:
-
Which number is bigger
-
Which number is smaller
This topic is taught using:
-
Objects
-
Pictures
-
Simple examples
For example:
-
8 is greater than 5
-
6 is smaller than 9
This skill helps children make decisions and understand quantity.
4. Addition – Learning to Add Numbers
Addition is introduced in a very basic and fun way.
Children learn:
-
Adding small numbers
-
Adding using pictures
-
Adding using objects
-
Simple word problems
Examples include:
-
2 + 3
-
Adding apples, balls, or pencils
Addition helps children understand joining and total counting.
5. Subtraction – Learning to Take Away
Subtraction is taught as taking away.
Children learn:
-
Removing objects
-
Counting what is left
-
Simple subtraction sums
Examples:
-
5 – 2
-
Taking away toys or fruits
This topic is linked to real-life situations so children can easily understand it.
6. Shapes and Patterns
Shapes make Maths interesting for young children.
Children learn about:
-
Circle
-
Square
-
Rectangle
-
Triangle
They also learn:
-
Shape matching
-
Identifying shapes in real life
-
Simple patterns like:
-
Big-small
-
Colour patterns
-
Number patterns
This topic improves:
-
Observation skills
-
Thinking skills
-
Creativity
Geometry and Measurement Topics
|
Topic |
Key Learning |
|
Shapes |
Identify and name shapes |
|
Patterns |
Recognise and complete patterns |
|
Measurement |
Long–short, heavy–light |
|
Time |
Days and daily routine |
|
Money |
Identify coins and notes |
7. Measurement (Length, Weight, Capacity)
Measurement is taught using comparison, not formulas.
Children learn:
-
Long and short
-
Tall and short
-
Heavy and light
-
More and less
They compare objects using pictures and daily examples like:
-
Which pencil is longer?
-
Which bag is heavier?
This helps children understand size and quantity.
8. Time – Understanding Days and Routine
Time is introduced in a very simple way.
Children learn:
-
Days of the week
-
Morning, afternoon, evening, night
-
Daily routine
They understand:
-
When they go to school
-
When they eat or sleep
This topic helps children connect Maths with real-life activities.
9. Money – Learning About Coins and Notes
Money is an exciting topic for children.
They learn:
-
Identifying coins
-
Identifying notes
-
Simple buying and selling ideas
Children understand:
-
Money is used to buy things
-
Different coins have different values
This topic builds basic financial awareness.
How Does CBSE Make Maths Easy for Class 1?
The cbse 1 std book follows a child-first approach.
It uses:
-
Simple language
-
Big pictures
-
Short questions
-
Fun activities
The focus is not on exams, but on learning happily.
The CBSE books for class 1 aim to:
-
Reduce fear of Maths
-
Improve confidence
-
Build strong basics
What Skills Do Children Develop from Class 1 Maths?
Maths in Class 1 helps children develop:
-
Logical thinking
-
Problem-solving
-
Observation skills
-
Confidence with numbers
-
Daily-life Maths usage
These skills help children not only in studies but also in real-life situations.
Is Class 1 Maths Difficult for Children?
No, Class 1 Maths is not difficult.
It is designed to be:
-
Fun
-
Simple
-
Activity-based
Children learn by:
-
Seeing
-
Counting
-
Playing
-
Talking
With regular practice and encouragement, children enjoy Maths.
Read More: How Much Screen Time Is Safe for Classes 1–8 Students? Experts Explain
How Can Parents Support Class 1 Maths Learning?
Parents can help by:
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Counting objects at home
-
Talking about numbers daily
-
Using simple Maths games
-
Encouraging, not forcing
Learning Maths should feel natural and enjoyable.
What Makes Class 1 Maths Different from Higher Classes?
In Class 1:
-
No pressure
-
No tough calculations
-
No memorising formulas
The focus is on:
-
Understanding
-
Enjoying numbers
-
Building a strong base
This strong base helps children in future classes.
Final Thoughts
CBSE Class 1 Maths syllabus is properly structured, child friendly and meaningful. It presents children with numbers, shapes, patterns, time and money in a manner that they can easily comprehend and enjoy.
These aspects are taught one after another, and children learn to have a good relationship with Maths at a tender age. This early education contributes significantly to their academic achievements in the future.
When Maths is handled carefully and simply in Class 1, children will grow up knowing that they are confident, curious, and willing to learn more.


