How Do You Tell Kids Subtraction Stories?
Although adding numbers is fairly simple for kids to learn, subtraction can be a tougher skill to master. Devise entertaining, creative ways to tell and teach kids how to “take away,” like using stories that feature their favorite characters, objects and treats. Work with food. For example, give each child 10 pretzels or jelly beans and let them eat four, then count to see how many they have left. Let them take turns coming up with subtraction problems with their remaining treats. Use real-world situations that will pique their interest. Tell a story about going to the toy store where there are 10 new video games sitting on the shelf. Ask them to figure out of if they’ll still be able to buy a game if six kids are in front of them in line. Turn familiar stories into subtraction problems. If they recently watched “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” for example, ask how many dwarfs are left if five of them go outside to pick flowers for Snow White. Keep an eye out for opportunities to tel
