Grades 1 to 8

Making sure that students have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of math is one of the best ways to prepare them for success, now and in the future. What students learn today will help best position them to solve everyday problems and to increase their employability in tomorrow’s economy. As students progress through elementary school, they will develop their ability to think mathematically, learn about different concepts and relationships, and to apply their knowledge. Key concepts include addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication, which will help to set the stage for more advanced skills, including algebra, and working with integers and decimals, among others. By developing a strong understanding of numbers, students will be able to perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately – whether they do so mentally, on paper, or by using a calculator. The ultimate goal is for them to be able to perform mathematical procedures with ease. This skill will also support students as they develop their skills in critical thinking and problem solving. Ontario’s publicly funded schools are focusing on the fundamentals of math. This is an overview of what Ontario students in Grades 1-8 are learning in math, and how you can support your children’s math learning.

Fundamental math skills from Grades 1 to 8

Most students learn math facts gradually over a number of years as they build their knowledge and confidence in their own ability to do math. The chart below provides examples of some fundamental math concepts and skills that students are expected to learn in elementary school by the end of primary grades (1-3), junior grades (4-6), and intermediate grades (7-8).

By the end of Grade 3, students will:

• Show understanding of and the use of whole numbers to 1000, i.e., 0, 1, 2, 3… 1000,

• Count forwards and backwards from 1000

• Use coins and bills to count and make change up to $10

• Add and subtract numbers to 1000

• Recall and use multiplication facts to 7 × 7, and related division facts, e.g., 49 ÷ 7

• Understand the relationship between 1 whole and parts of 1 whole as fractions

By the end of Grade 6, students will:

• Show understanding of and the use of whole numbers to 1 000 000 and decimal numbers to thousandths (e.g., 0.001)

• Count by tenths, hundredths, and fractional amounts

• Read money up to $1000 and represent it using bills and coins

• Add and subtract whole numbers and decimal numbers to thousandths

• Use multiplication and division facts to multiply and divide:

     â—† 4-digit whole numbers by 2-digit whole numbers

     â—† decimal numbers to tenths by whole numbers

• Understand equivalent fractions

• Understand the relationship between fractions, decimals and percents • Use and apply ratios and unit rates (e.g., use a water to sugar ratio of 4:1 to make syrup)

By the end of Grade 8, students will:

• Show understanding of and the use of any whole number and decimal number

• Work with money as an application of decimals, fractions, percents, and rates. For example, calculating the total cost of an item, including tax

• Add, subtract, multiply and divide combinations of whole numbers, decimal numbers, and integers, using the order of operations 

• Add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions

• Use equivalent forms of a number (decimals, fractions, percents) 

• Solve problems involving ratios, and rates, e.g., calculate the most economical way to purchase 125 songs, if 25 songs cost $7.99 and 50 songs cost $10.45