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1st Grade Math: Subtraction Games
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  • Math (485)
  • ELA (613)

    • Subtract With Pictures Skills

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    • Subtract Using Pictures
      Subtract With Pictures
      Subtract Using Pictures

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to subtract using pictures.

      K 1 PK.OA.1
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    • Subtract and Match the Number
      Subtract With Pictures
      Subtract and Match the Number

      Begin the exciting journey of becoming a math wizard by learning to subtract and match the number.

      K 1 PK.OA.1
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    • Subtraction Scenario
      Subtract With Pictures
      Subtraction Scenario

      Take a look at subtraction scenarios with this game.

      K 1 K.OA.1
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    • Take Away Scenario
      Subtract With Pictures
      Take Away Scenario

      Use your subtraction skills to solve 'Take Away' scenarios.

      K 1 K.OA.1
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    Subtraction Strategies Skills

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    • Use Double Facts to Subtract
      Doubles And Near Doubles Subtraction Strategy
      Use Double Facts to Subtract

      Let your child see the world through math-colored shades by using double facts to subtract.

      1 2 2.OA.2
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    • Count Back on a Number Line
      Count Back Strategy
      Count Back on a Number Line

      Have your own math-themed party by learning how to count back on a number line.

      1 1.OA.5
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    • Use Subtraction Sentences to find the difference
      Count Back Strategy
      Use Subtraction Sentences to find the difference

      Dive deep into the world of subtraction by using subtraction sentences to find the difference.

      K 1 K.OA.1
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    • Add Near Doubles Numbers
      Doubles And Near Doubles Subtraction Strategy
      Add Near Doubles Numbers

      Take the first step towards building your math castle by practicing how to add near doubles.

      1 1.OA.6
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    2-Digit Subtraction Skills

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    • Match the Difference of Multiples of 10
      2-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Match the Difference of Multiples of 10

      Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by matching the difference of multiples of 10.

      1 1.NBT.6
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    • Subtract Multiples of 10 using Place Value
      2-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Subtract Multiples of 10 using Place Value

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to subtract multiples of 10 using place values.

      1 2 1.NBT.6
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    • Subtract Multiples to 10 using Visuals
      2-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Subtract Multiples to 10 using Visuals

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to subtract multiples of 10 using visuals.

      1 1.NBT.6
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Identify the Difference of Multiples of 10
      2-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Identify the Difference of Multiples of 10

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to identify the difference of multiples of 10.

      1 1.NBT.6
      VIEW DETAILS

    All Subtraction Skills

    • Subtract using Part Part Whole Models
      Subtraction Strategies
      Subtract using Part Part Whole Models

      Kids must subtract using part whole models to practice subtraction.

      1 1.OA.4
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    • Solve Word Problems on Take From Scenarios
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Solve Word Problems on Take From Scenarios

      Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by learning to solve word problems on "Take From" scenarios.

      1 2 2.OA.1
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    • Think Addition using Bar Models
      Subtraction Strategies
      Think Addition using Bar Models

      Take the first step towards building your math castle by practicing think addition using bar models.

      1 1.OA.4
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    • Solve Difference Unknown Scenarios
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Solve Difference Unknown Scenarios

      Kids must solve difference unknown scenarios to practice subtraction.

      1 2 2.OA.1
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    • Complete the Related Facts
      Subtraction Strategies
      Complete the Related Facts

      Have your own math-themed party by learning how to complete the related facts.

      1 1.OA.4
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    • Write the Related Facts
      Subtraction Strategies
      Write the Related Facts

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to write related facts.

      1 2 1.OA.4
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    • Word Problems on Subtraction
      Subtract With Pictures
      Word Problems on Subtraction

      Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by solving word problems on subtraction.

      K 1 K.OA.1
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    • Complete the Related Subtraction Facts
      Subtraction Strategies
      Complete the Related Subtraction Facts

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to complete related subtraction facts.

      K 1 1.OA.6
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    • Word Problems on Take Away
      Subtract With Pictures
      Word Problems on Take Away

      Kids must solve word problems on 'Take Away' to play.

      K 1 K.OA.1
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    • Find Missing Numbers in Subtraction Sentences
      Subtraction Strategies
      Find Missing Numbers in Subtraction Sentences

      Find out the missing numbers in the given subtraction sentences.

      K 1 1.OA.6
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    • Word Problems to Subtract Multiples of 10
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Word Problems to Subtract Multiples of 10

      Help your child take flight by learning how to solve word problems to subtract multiples of 10.

      1 2 1.NBT.6
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    • Represent Subtraction
      Subtract With Pictures
      Represent Subtraction

      Learn to solve math problems by representing subtraction.

      K 1 K.OA.1
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    • Identify the Difference and Match
      Subtraction Strategies
      Identify the Difference and Match

      Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by helping them identify the difference and match.

      K 1
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    • Identify the Difference
      Subtract With Pictures
      Identify the Difference

      Let your child see the world through math-colored shades with our 'Identify the Difference' game!

      K 1 K.OA.1
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    • Identify the Difference to Match
      Subtraction Strategies
      Identify the Difference to Match

      Apply your knowledge of subtraction to identify the difference to match.

      K 1
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Solve Word Problems to Find the Difference
      Subtract With Pictures
      Solve Word Problems to Find the Difference

      Kids must solve word problems to find the difference to practice subtraction.

      K 1 K.OA.1
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    • Determine the Difference and Match
      Subtraction Strategies
      Determine the Difference and Match

      Kids must determine the difference and match to practice subtraction.

      K 1
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Make the Subtraction Sentence
      Subtract With Pictures
      Make the Subtraction Sentence

      Take a deep dive into the world of math by making subtraction sentences.

      K 1 K.OA.1
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    • Determine the Missing Number in Subtraction
      Subtraction Strategies
      Determine the Missing Number in Subtraction

      Learn to solve subtraction problems by determining the missing number.

      K 1
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Identify the Correct Expression
      Subtract With Pictures
      Identify the Correct Expression

      Practice the superpower of subtraction by learning how to identify the correct expression.

      K 1 1.OA.1
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    • Determine the Difference to Match
      Subtraction Strategies
      Determine the Difference to Match

      Use your subtraction skills to determine the difference to match.

      K 1
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Missing Number in Subtraction Sentence
      Subtract With Pictures
      Missing Number in Subtraction Sentence

      Practice the superpower of math by learning how to find the missing number in subtraction sentences.

      1 1.OA.1
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    • Determine the Missing Number in Subtraction Sentence
      Subtraction Strategies
      Determine the Missing Number in Subtraction Sentence

      Ask your little one to determine the missing number in subtraction sentences.

      K 1
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    • Complete Subtraction using Pictures
      Subtract With Pictures
      Complete Subtraction using Pictures

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to complete subtraction using pictures.

      K 1 1.OA.1
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    • Match to Find the Difference
      Subtraction Strategies
      Match to Find the Difference

      Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring how to match to find the difference.

      K 1
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    • Determine the Missing Number in Subtraction Equation
      Subtraction Strategies
      Determine the Missing Number in Subtraction Equation

      Practice subtraction by determining the missing number in subtraction equations.

      K 1
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    • Think Addition with Bar Models
      Subtraction Strategies
      Think Addition with Bar Models

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to do think addition with bar models.

      1 2 2.OA.2
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    • Complete Related Facts of Addition and Subtraction
      Subtraction Strategies
      Complete Related Facts of Addition and Subtraction

      Ask your little one to complete related facts of addition and subtraction to play this game.

      1 2 2.OA.2
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    • Write the Related Fact
      Subtraction Strategies
      Write the Related Fact

      Take the first step towards building your math castle by practicing how to write related facts.

      1 2 2.OA.2
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Identify Missing Number in Subtraction Sentence
      Subtraction Strategies
      Identify Missing Number in Subtraction Sentence

      Learn to solve problems by identifying the missing number in subtraction sentences.

      K 1 2.OA.2
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    • Mark the Difference on the Number Line
      Subtraction Strategies
      Mark the Difference on the Number Line

      Kids must mark the difference on the number line to practice subtraction.

      1 1.OA.5
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    • Subtract using Count Back Strategy
      Subtraction Strategies
      Subtract using Count Back Strategy

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to subtract using count back strategy.

      1 1.OA.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Identify the Difference on a Number Line
      Subtraction Strategies
      Identify the Difference on a Number Line

      Use your subtraction skills to identify the difference on a number line.

      1 1.OA.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 1, 2, 3
      Subtraction Strategies
      Subtract 1, 2, 3

      Ask your little one to subtract 1, 2, 3 to play this game.

      1 1.OA.5
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    • Count Back to Subtract
      Subtraction Strategies
      Count Back to Subtract

      Begin the exciting journey of becoming a math wizard by learning how to count back to subtract.

      1 1.OA.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count Back to Find the Related Facts
      Subtraction Strategies
      Count Back to Find the Related Facts

      Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by helping them count back to find the related facts.

      1 1.OA.6
      VIEW DETAILS
    1 2 →

    Importance of Subtraction

    Children have many daily experiences with addition and subtraction which they often do not realize. They should be provided with experiences of fun mathematics activities, learning games and strategies to understand how to add and subtract. There are so many such opportunities throughout the day, when adding and subtracting strategies involving math word problems can be solved and taught. These learning opportunities need not be initiated only at the school in the classroom rather these experiences can be initiated as and when they arise in our day to day situations. For example, while reading a story, or setting the table, cooking a meal, climbing the stairs, putting away the toys, cleaning the room, coloring a picture and so on.

    It is always recommended to begin with addition to teach children these strategies and fun activities. Once children develop strong conceptual understanding of addition only then should one introduce how to subtract. Many activities used for teaching addition and be used to teach subtraction too. But some learning activities must be conducted to explicitly teach children the inverse relationship of addition and subtraction.

    Math aids and manipulatives and mathematical tools help children to visualize and solve problems in hands-on ways.  These fun mathematical activities and strategies provide children with ample experience to remember and apply these to solve addition and subtraction worksheets. These strategies will also help in real-life problem solving.

     

    Complexities of Learning about Subtraction

    Children spend maximum time being home or with their parents. Hence it is important to understand the complexities involved in learning subtraction so that they can be taken care of. To begin with, the simple mathematical equation or statement 5-3=2 has a multiplicity of meanings. For example, the number 5 could mean so many different things. 5 may denote 5 objects, 5 groups of objects, the position of number 5 on a number line or just the abstract number 5. Same is the case with numbers 3 and 2 in the equation. Thus, the statement is a generalization of many different types of 5s, 3s and 2s in different contexts. So, asking a child what is 5-3 equal to is a very bizarre statement if no context is given.

    In addition to this, the complete statement 5-3=2 is also a generalized statement which can represent many different situations. For example

    Thus, to preschoolers or 1st graders the mathematical statement 5-3= 2 often has little meaning when no context is given. As a result, all addition and subtraction word problems in the early years must be done through kids learning games and activities that involve the children themselves. The activities for kids should be engaging and such that the context is entirely apparent. Also, pictorial representation in math worksheets should be encouraged to develop conceptual clarity and grasp over subtraction definition.

     

    Subtraction Activities for Grade 1

    First grade kids are taught the concept of ‘taking away’ or subtraction through a number line. Kids learn how to count back to subtract.

    In this learning method, a number line is used. Kids move back on the number line one at a time as much as the number that is to be subtracted. The number on which the kid ends up is the answer of the subtraction problem.

    For example: Solve 5 – 2

    Backward counting on number line

    In the number line method, children start at 5 and take away 2. Hence, they land up on 3 which is the required difference.

    To generalize this procedure, always start from the minuend (the number from which something is taken or the number you subtract from) and move back as many steps as the value of subtrahend (the number which is subtracted or is to be taken away). The final position one ends up on gives the difference of the two numbers. Thus, we can define subtraction as the difference between two numbers.

    There are many interesting activities and educational games for kids around the number line theme to teach them subtraction.

    Subtraction using number line

    Kids can answer this on the number line created and then write an equation for the same.

     

     

    Write all the set of instructions in strips of paper. Punch them and compile them together with a key chain. Now either make a number line on the floor using tape and let kids follow the instructions being the counter themselves, or use the lego block number line or simply a drawn number line on a sheet of paper and a cute counter to move with.

    subtraction activity using number line

    Addition subtraction number line game

     

    1st Grade children are also expected to understand the relationship between addition and subtraction.

    First and foremost, shall be to introduce subtraction as inverse of addition. This can be achieved through a simple and effective math subtraction worksheet as follows:

    At the top are five jars in a cupboard whose doors are open: three at left and two on the right. This picture illustrates the equation: 3 + 2 = 5. ‖

    How to find an unknown addend

    In the next picture, the left-hand cupboard door is closed, hiding the three jars. Only two of the five jars can be seen. This picture illustrates the equation: 5 − 3 = 2. ‖

    The bottom picture shows the left door open and the right door closed, hiding two jars and illustrating: 5 − 2 = 3. ‖

     

    The quantity of five jars and the arrangement of the jars is the same in all three pictures. The only change in the pictures is the closing of different doors. The equation, however, changes from an addition equation to two subtraction equations. The changes in the three pictures and their accompanying equations reveal for children the relationship between addition and subtraction. Addition is to find the sum of two known addends and subtraction is to find an unknown addend when the sum and one addend are known.

     

    When seeing a subtraction, and not knowing the solution, one only needs to think- ‘What number when added to the subtrahend yields the difference?’‖Very clearly, if one knows addition that is let’s say: 3 + 2 = 5, then one can extrapolate: 5 – 3 certainly must be 2 and 5 – 2 certainly must be 3

    Subtraction using objects

     

     

    Some addition and subtraction games and activities to help kids understand their relation better are as follows.

    commutative property of addition

     

    For example, they can clearly see that 5 + 2 =7 but now they need to visualize 7- 5 =?

    subtraction as inverse of addition

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