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Maths

Simple Subtraction Stories

Overview

Children use stories to understand taking away.

Learning Objective
Children solve simple subtraction problems.

Resources needed

  • Small objects

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Tell a story (e.g. 'Amina has 5 stones, 2 are taken away').
  2. 2 Ask: 'How many left?'
  3. 3 Use objects to show it.
  4. 4 Count remaining objects.
  5. 5 Repeat with new numbers.
  6. 6 Ask children to explain.
  7. 7 Let children create stories.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Use fingers
  • Use drawings
  • Increase difficulty gradually
More information

Physically remove objects as you tell the story so children can see the taking away.

Use small numbers (up to 5) and let children handle the objects themselves.

Do children understand subtraction as removal? Can they count back rather than recounting from zero?

Act out stories using children as characters and objects from the classroom or outdoors. No prepared resources needed.

Children sometimes add instead of subtract because the story mentions two numbers together. They may also remove the wrong number of objects if they miscount the starting group. Always establish the starting total clearly before removing.

Activity details
Early Years Medium 15–20 minutes No prep Small Group, Whole Class Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Subtraction