Read with an adult. Take your time. You can say, point, draw or write your answer.
1 Let's look together
Subtracting can mean taking some away. The − sign means subtract.
Start with the whole group. Move the objects you take away to one side. Count only the objects left.
Start: 7Take away: 2Left: 57 − 2 = 5
Look, point and talk with your adult.
2 Watch how I do it
Seven birds are on a fence. Two fly away. I cross out two of seven dots. Five remain, so 7 − 2 = 5.
3 Your turn
There are nine blocks. Take away four. How many remain?
Have a go before opening the answer.
Let's check together
Five. 9 − 4 = 5.
4 Try it away from the page
Build eight. Take away one, then put it back. Try taking away three. Explain what changed.
Open your writing and drawing pad
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Adult notes · prerequisites, safety and coverage
Prerequisite: parts and whole. Physically separate removed objects. Do not count the removed group as the answer.
Use large counters, blocks and paper before symbols. Revisit a lesson until the child can show and explain the idea. Numbers grow from 0–10 to 20, then 100; these pages are not a one-sitting course.
Read, write and interpret addition, subtraction and equality signs.