Find the Missing Numbers Worksheet

First graders often stall when a number is missing from the middle, even when they can count out loud just fine. On this printable, they complete four short number trails, 15 to 19, 0 to 4, 5 to 9, and 11 to 15, with two blanks in each trail. They also fill one missing number in a simple addition or subtraction equation on each row.

This is a good fit for a seven-year-old who can count forward by ones and is starting to hold small number patterns in mind. If writing slows things down, let them say the missing number first, then write it. The goal is steady practice with number order, not racing through the page.

The trails ask them to look before and after each blank and decide what number belongs. The equations ask them to check which number makes the fact complete, including missing first numbers in addition and missing middle numbers in subtraction. If they need a gentler warm-up, try the animal count and circle totals worksheet first because object counting can make totals easier to see. If teen numbers are the tricky part, the tens and ones build worksheet gives extra practice seeing numbers like 15 and 19 as tens and ones.

Sit nearby and ask simple questions: What comes right before the blank? What comes right after it? For the equations, cover the blank with your finger and have them read the known numbers aloud. A good next step is to make a tiny number trail on scrap paper, leave one or two spaces empty, and let them fill it in before switching roles with you.