Today we started to look carefully at subtraction strategies to help us solve story problems. The number one most helpful tip I can give is for kids to SLOW DOWN AND THINK about what is happening in the problem. I have them close their eyes and picture the story happening in front of them. I then ask questions like "What happened?", "Did the amount get bigger or smaller?", "Did a group join or leave?"...these questions help them comprehend the problem and then make a decision on if the problem is an addition or subtraction situation.
In the picture above you can see the various ways we discussed how to solve subtraction problems. Early subtraction solvers are going to draw out the picture and cross off to find the difference or count backwards. I have the kids write it all out so they can see their process and to hold them accountable for accuracy. Eventually we want kids to move towards using a number line or 100 chart or even use basic facts to help them.
In the picture above you can see the various ways we discussed how to solve subtraction problems. Early subtraction solvers are going to draw out the picture and cross off to find the difference or count backwards. I have the kids write it all out so they can see their process and to hold them accountable for accuracy. Eventually we want kids to move towards using a number line or 100 chart or even use basic facts to help them.