Primary 1 Singapore Maths (Grade 1): Topics, Textbook and Workbook
Primary 1 Singapore Maths (Grade 1) is for children aged 6 to 7. Students count to 100, add and subtract using number bonds, begin multiplication and division, and learn money, time, length and picture graphs. Explico's Singapore Maths supports every Primary 1 topic with a textbook, workbook, solution videos and AI assessment.
Last reviewed 24 September 2026 by the Explico Maths editorial team.
- Singapore: 2nd in the world for maths, PISA 2025
- Primary 1 to Primary 6, aligned to the MOE Singapore syllabus
- Written by MOE Singapore-trained Singapore teachers
- Print and eBook editions, taught in English
Primary 1 Maths Topics List (Grade 1)
Primary 1 students study the Singapore Primary 1 syllabus across three strands: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics. Strong number sense, learnt through objects, pictures and talk.
Number and Algebra
- Numbers to 100: count, read, write, compare and order
- Number bonds and fact families
- Addition and subtraction within 100, with and without renaming
- Multiplication and division through equal groups
- Money: coins and notes
- Ordinal numbers
Measurement and Geometry
- Length measured in centimetres
- Time to 5 minutes, a.m. and p.m.
- 2D shapes, half and quarter circles, patterns
Statistics
- Making and reading picture graphs
What changed in the updated syllabus: Under the updated syllabus, telling time to 5 minutes is now taught in Primary 1, a year earlier than before. Explico's Singapore Maths follows this sequence.
Primary 1 Core Topics and Skills Compared
| Topic | Strand | What students learn | Common difficulty | How Explico helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numbers to 100 | Number and Algebra | Count, read and write numbers; compare and order; number patterns | Seeing 47 as a label rather than 4 tens and 7 ones | Place-value pictures, then levelled workbook practice |
| Number bonds | Number and Algebra | Part-whole for numbers to 10 and 20; fact families | Memorising facts without seeing the part-whole link | Counters first, then the part-whole model |
| Addition and subtraction within 100 | Number and Algebra | With and without renaming; adding three numbers; word problems | Renaming 10 ones as 1 ten | A solution video for every workbook question |
| Multiplication and division | Number and Algebra | Equal groups, equal sharing and grouping | Mixing up sharing and grouping | Picture-based Let's Learn pages |
| Money | Number and Algebra | Count coins and notes; exchange, add and subtract money | Counting coins by number instead of value | Real-life shop activities in the textbook |
| Length | Measurement and Geometry | Measure in centimetres; compare and order lengths | Starting the ruler at 1 instead of 0 | Short tutorials that show parents the method |
| Time | Measurement and Geometry | Tell time to 5 minutes; a.m. and p.m.; hour and half hour | Reading the minute hand as the hour | AI assessment by learning objective |
| Shapes and patterns | Measurement and Geometry | Identify and group 2D shapes; half and quarter circles | Naming a shape differently when it is turned | Hands-on shape activities |
| Picture graphs | Statistics | Make and read picture graphs | Counting pictures without reading the question | Online practice with instant marking |
Primary 1 or Grade 1? Schools outside Singapore often say Grade 1. The content is the same Singapore Primary 1 syllabus, for learners aged 6 to 7.
How Singapore Maths Teaches Primary 1: The CPA Approach and Bar Models
Singapore Maths builds understanding before speed, moving from objects to pictures to symbols so students know why a method works.
Concrete: learn by handling
Students handle counters, cubes and fraction pieces before meeting a rule.
Pictorial: see the problem with bar models
The bar model turns a word problem into a diagram, showing how quantities relate before calculating.
Abstract: move to numbers and symbols
Once the meaning is secure, students work confidently with numbers, symbols and written methods.
Problem-solving heuristics
Students follow a clear routine: understand, plan, solve, check, using heuristics like working backwards and spotting patterns.
Mei has 8 red beads and 5 blue beads. How many beads does she have altogether?
- Draw a part-whole model: the parts are 8 and 5.
- Make 10: split 5 into 2 and 3, then 8 + 2 = 10.
- 10 + 3 = 13.
Answer: Mei has 13 beads altogether.
Every workbook question has a worked solution video that explains the method in the same way.
The Complete Primary 1 Learning Suite
Every Primary 1 topic is supported by six connected parts: a textbook in print or eBook, a workbook, a worked solution video for every workbook question, AI assessment with gap analysis, a Teacher's Guide, and analytics for teachers and parents.
Built for Teachers and Schools
A classroom-ready Primary 1 programme with a teacher interface and school-level analytics, by class, topic and learning objective.
Teacher interface
Assign chapters, review auto-marked work, see who needs support.
School leader interface
Compare classes and cohorts, track syllabus coverage.
Flexible delivery, in English
Print, eBook or blended, all in English, for English-medium and international schools.
Getting Ready for Grade 2
By the end of Grade 1, students should be secure with number bonds to 20 and addition and subtraction within 100. These skills carry straight into Grade 2 place value and multiplication tables.
- Number bonds to 20 recalled quickly
- Addition and subtraction with renaming
- Telling time to 5 minutes
Singapore ranked 2nd in the world for maths in PISA 2025 and 1st for Primary 4 (Grade 4) maths in TIMSS 2023. See the full PISA and TIMSS results.
Choose the Right Start for Your Child or School
Help your child learn Grade 1 maths with confidence
- A free sample chapter from the Grade 1 textbook and workbook
- Worked video solutions, so homework never stalls
- Clear progress reports that show what to practise next
No payment details needed.
Bring the complete Grade 1 Singapore Maths programme to your school
- A demo account with the teacher and school leader views
- A walkthrough video you can share with your maths team
- Print, eBook or blended options for every grade
For principals, heads of maths and academic directors.
Primary 1 Singapore Maths (Grade 1): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Primary 1 Singapore Maths the same as Grade 1?
Yes. Schools outside Singapore often say Grade 1, while Singapore schools say Primary 1. Explico's Singapore Maths for Primary 1 follows the MOE Singapore Primary 1 Mathematics syllabus for children aged 6 to 7, so the content, sequence and teaching approach are the same.
What topics are covered in Primary 1 Singapore Maths (Grade 1)?
Primary 1 covers numbers to 100, number bonds, addition and subtraction within 100, early multiplication and division, money, length in centimetres, time to 5 minutes, 2D shapes and picture graphs. Every topic starts with hands-on objects before moving to pictures and numbers.
Is Singapore Maths too hard for a Primary 1 child?
No. Singapore Maths is designed to make early maths easier to understand, not harder. Primary 1 lessons begin with real objects such as counters and cubes, then pictures, and only then written numbers. Children learn fewer topics in more depth, which builds confidence.
Can my child use Primary 1 Singapore Maths at home, in print or online?
Yes. The Primary 1 textbook and workbook come in print or as an eBook. Every workbook question has a worked solution video, so your child can check a method without waiting for a teacher. The AI assessment shows which topics need more practice, and you receive clear progress reports.