Find the Missing Numbers Worksheet

Kids can count out loud and still freeze when two blanks sit inside a number line. This grade 1 printable keeps the work small and clear. Children fill in missing numbers in four count-by-one sequences, then complete a related addition or subtraction equation by writing the missing number.

This page fits a six-year-old who can count forward by ones and is starting to work with numbers up to 20. The sequences use close number groups, including 2 through 6, 4 through 8, 13 through 17, and 15 through 19. If teen numbers feel tricky, say the full row together first, then let the child write the blanks.

The practice works because the child has to look at numbers before and after each blank, not just start counting from one. For a quick warm-up before this page, next whole number practice helps with the one-more idea. If the blank-filling format feels right and you want another nearby activity, another missing numbers page gives more practice with the same kind of thinking.

Sit close for the first row and ask, “What comes right before this number?” or “What comes right after it?” For the equations, read the whole number sentence aloud and let your child use fingers or small objects if needed. A good next step is to make one five-number row together on scrap paper, leave out two numbers, and trade jobs so the child gets to be the teacher too.