All Activities
Maths

Take One Away

Overview

Children explore how numbers change when one is removed.

Learning Objective
Children understand that taking one away decreases a number by one.

Resources needed

  • Small objects

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Show a number of objects (e.g. 6).
  2. 2 Ask: 'What happens if we take one away?'
  3. 3 Remove one object.
  4. 4 Count what is left.
  5. 5 Repeat with different numbers.
  6. 6 Ask children to predict.
  7. 7 Discuss what they notice.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Take away more than one
  • Use real-life situations
  • Count backwards as a check
More information

Pair with 'Add One More' to help children see addition and subtraction as opposites.

Use objects children are invested in (e.g. stones collected by the child) to increase engagement.

Can children predict 'one less' without removing and recounting? Do they connect this to counting backwards?

Any small objects work. This activity can be done entirely using fingers with no additional resources.

Children sometimes count the removed object as part of what is left, leading to answers that are one too many. Make the removal definitive — place the object behind your back or well away from the group.

Activity details
Early Years Easy 10–15 minutes No prep Small Group, Whole Class Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Subtraction