Here is a math warm up for subtraction. It can also be used as a lesson introduction or mini math workshop! Students will understand that from any 2 numbers, 2 subtraction stories (or facts) can be created. You just need:
- counters in 2 colors
- a dish
- dominos
Model several first, talking about what you are doing and building an understanding of the key concepts.
Students then:
- take a domino
- tell the 2 numbers - here we have 5 and 2
- total the domino - 5 and 2 makes 7 altogether
- build the numbers with counters (this is important)
- use a dish (or piece of paper or their hand) to conceal one number
- talk about what has happened
- 7 take away 5 leaves 2
- conceal the other number and again, talk about the subtraction - 7 take away 2 leaves 5
One of the games in our Subtraction Problem math pack will help students build a deeper understanding of related subtraction facts. It is called In and Out and each activity card shows fish in and out of the ocean!
Students can
- describe the subtraction story
- model it with counters on the card
- perform the subtraction (moving counters off the card)
- record it in numbers (directly on the card or on a whiteboard/paper)
Find the pack (which also includes activities to scaffold this concept) over in our store!
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