Subtraction | Small Group
In this small-group Pre-K math lesson, children will explore subtraction as taking objects away from a set and noticing how many are left. Students will use hands-on materials, counting, and simple story situations to solve advanced subtraction problems within 5.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| subtract | To take some away from a group. |
| take away | To remove objects from a group. |
| left | What is still there after some are taken away. |
| fewer | A smaller amount. |
Show 3–5 counters. Have children count them together, then secretly take some away and ask, 'How many are left?' Model counting the remaining objects.
Count objects aloud, watch the change, and answer how many are left.
Use a small tray and counters to tell a simple story, such as 'There were 5 apples. I ate 2. How many are left?' Remove the counters one by one and count what remains. Emphasize the words subtract, take away, and left.
Repeat key vocabulary, count with the teacher, and point to the remaining objects.
Give each child a set of 5 counters. Call out or show subtraction stories within 5, such as 4 take away 1, 5 take away 2, or 3 take away 1. Prompt children to move counters aside and count what is left.
Use counters to solve each problem, count the leftovers, and share answers with the group.
Ask children to choose one subtraction story and draw the group before and after taking away. Circulate and ask, 'How many did you start with?' and 'How many are left?'
Draw a simple picture of the problem and explain the answer using words or numbers.
Ask 2–3 quick questions: 'What does take away mean?' 'If we start with 5 and take away 1, how many are left?' Confirm responses and correct gently as needed.
Answer questions, show fingers if needed, and restate subtraction words.
Review that subtraction means making a group smaller by taking some away. Celebrate by asking children to show with fingers one number they solved today.
Share one thing they learned and show a favorite answer with fingers or counters.
Subtraction means taking away some objects from a group to find out how many are left.
At home, ask your child to use 5 small objects (like crackers or blocks). Take away 1 or 2 and have them count how many are left. Repeat 2 more times.