This Term at Home
Year 1

3 words that make subtraction make sense.

Subtraction: how do I help my child understand taking away? Tell it as a story in 3 parts: first, then, now. Most Year 1 classes are on addition and subtraction within 10 around now, often with stories like this.

Year 1: First, Then, Now, 3 words that make subtraction make sense. Text slide. Year 1 tell subtraction as a story. A ten frame with 7 counters: first there were 7. A ten frame with 7 counters, and 7 − 3: 3 were eaten, so take 3 away. A ten frame with 4 counters left, and 7 − 3 = 4: first, take away the change, gives now. A tile reading what changed? Tiles: First 8, Then 2 roll away, Now how many? Text slide asking to send to the Year 1 class group.

The method in words

First: 7 biscuits on the plate
Then: 3 got eaten
Now: 4 left, so 7 − 3 = 4

The tip: the number you started with always goes first in the sum. If your child gets stuck, ask "What changed?"

Try it with a snack: put out 8 small things, like raisins. First there are 8, then 2 roll away. Your child moves 2 away, counts what's left and says "8 − 2 = 6". Then swap.

Sources: Oak National Academy, Year 1 lesson "Interpret and represent subtraction stories"; national curriculum for maths, Year 1. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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