SUBTRACTION - TRACTION = SUB
SUBTRACTION IS EASY RIGHT?
While the basic concepts of subtraction can be relatively easy for students, I think it gets tricky when doing several digit subtraction. As a kid, I used to get confused when trying to carry over the one and how that effected the other numbers in multiple digit subtraction.
It would definitely be very important to start the lesson with reviewing all subtraction strategies. I really liked this resource from Teachers Pay Teachers to make subtraction really come to life and it's a great way for students to remember the different strategies. The link is listed below, and the card below is an example of how the students can remember the various strategies.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-3-Digit-Subtraction-Strategies-Centers-and-Printables-1114976
While the basic concepts of subtraction can be relatively easy for students, I think it gets tricky when doing several digit subtraction. As a kid, I used to get confused when trying to carry over the one and how that effected the other numbers in multiple digit subtraction.
It would definitely be very important to start the lesson with reviewing all subtraction strategies. I really liked this resource from Teachers Pay Teachers to make subtraction really come to life and it's a great way for students to remember the different strategies. The link is listed below, and the card below is an example of how the students can remember the various strategies.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2-3-Digit-Subtraction-Strategies-Centers-and-Printables-1114976
After reviewing our basic strategies- I would then want to really explain 2 and 3 digit subtraction rules. It is definitely important to explain that when you can't subtract the numbers themselves, you must carry a 1 over from that number and then reduce the number by 1. This would be explained through place value, or how you borrow the one from either the tens or hundreds place. The worksheet below would help students practice these various problems.
SUBTRACTION GAME
The lesson must of course end with a fun math game! The idea behind the game is that each student gets a game board (see below) and a wipe board with a dry erase marker. The teacher will put the 2 or 3 digit subtraction problem on the board, and the students must solve the problem using their wipe board. If they get the question right, they get to use the spinner, which will either move them ahead or backwards on their game board. The first person to get to the finish line of their game board will be the winner!
PERSONAL REFLECTION
I think it is extremely important to understand that students must fully grasp the concept of carrying over the 1 in multiple digit subtraction. They must also understand place value in order to get this concept. I really love the Teachers Pay Teachers documents, where they give all of the subtraction strategies different names and make them more memorable to students. I also love the idea of ending each area of study with a math game, this encourages interactive behavior around math and allows for the students to have some fun with a difficult subject. I am actually very excited to try this game out with my students in the future!
This is SO cool ! I actually quite literally stopped my boyfriend from what he was doing to show him this subtraction strategy! I'm fascinated because as someone who was taught to subtract , add, etc in the most traditional method, we sort of lose sight of the very idea that things can be accomplished in multiple ways. It's certainly a refresher that it's all about how we pick up the concept. I love that you also incorporated a board game to the end of the lesson as a treat for students to complete their lesson. Nice post !
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