Look For and Make Use of Structure.
1st Grade

Mathematically proficient students in First Grade carefully look for patterns and structures in the number system and other areas of 
mathematics.

•  For example, while solving addition problems using a number balance, students recognize that regardless whether you 
  

put the 7 on a peg first and then the 4, or the 4 on first and then the 7, they both equal 11 (commutative property). 

• When decomposing two-digit numbers, students realize that the number of tens they have constructed ‘happens’ to coincide with the digit in the tens place. 
• When exploring geometric properties, first graders recognize that certain attributes are critical (number of sides, angles), while other properties are not (size, color, orientation).