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Teach Subtraction with Picture Books

Teaching Tips

5 Jun
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You can teach subtraction with picture books! They're perfect for reinforcing subtraction concepts and introducing word problems with real world scenarios.

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You can teach subtraction with picture books! They’re perfect for reinforcing subtraction concepts and introducing word problems with real world scenarios.

I strongly believe that kids need to have a firm grasp of basic math operations in order to be more successful with advanced math. However, flash cards and workbooks get boring after a while. Engage your students with a great collection of math picture books!

You can teach subtraction with picture books! They're perfect for reinforcing subtraction concepts and introducing word problems with real world scenarios.

There’s something a bit less intimidating about using picture books instead of flashcards and math drills. The fun pictures and rhyming text can make little ones eager to practice their skills.

Picture books are a great introduction to word problems, as well. Here are some ideas to teach subtraction with picture books.

Teach Subtraction with Picture Books

The Action of Subtraction (Math Is Categorical)Picture books help reinforce concepts in a non-structured way allowing kids to “see” how math works in the real world. Brian P. Cleary’s

Brian P. Cleary’s The Action of Subtraction is a fun book to start with. The cartoon illustrations and rhyming text engage little ones and encourage them to practice subtracting on almost every two-page spread. With every clever phrase, kids can see what happens when you take one number away from another. They’re also introduced to subtraction terminology so they’ll become more familiar with the terms.

With every clever phrase, kids can see what happens when you take one number away from another. They’re also introduced to subtraction terminology so they’ll become more familiar with the terms.

Pull out the math manipulatives

I suggest starting your lesson with a simple read-through of your chosen book. Just read through it, let your children look at the pictures, and discuss any questions your child may have.

Next, read through it again. This time, pull out some math manipulatives. When my daughter was younger, we used her Littlest Pet Shop animals as math manipulatives. My son used his LEGO mini-figs. Whatever you use, let your child act out the story as you read through it a second time.

This hands-on activity helps young learners see the act of subtracting. They see first hand the process of starting out with a certain amount and then subtracting (or taking away) another amount. This shows them how numbers get smaller in subtraction problems.

Discuss it: What is subtraction? Does it make numbers bigger or smaller? Is the number you start with bigger or smaller than the number you’re left with?

More books that teach subtraction:

If You Were a Minus Sign (Math Fun)Subtraction ActionElevator Magic, Level 2 (MathStart Subtracting) (MathStart 2)Monster Musical Chairs (MathStart 1)

Extend the lesson: Have your child write and solve the subtraction problems on paper as you come to them in the book? Create a few related subtraction word problems for your child to solve (on paper or with their manipulatives). Have your child create some subtraction word problems of their own. Then, they can act them out with their manipulatives.

You can teach subtraction with picture books! They're perfect for reinforcing subtraction concepts and introducing word problems with real world scenarios.

Subtraction Mini-Pack

This subtraction mini-pack is the perfect addition to your subtraction lessons. It includes the following 8 activities:

  • Subtraction anchor chart
  • Roll and solve (graphing)
  • Subtraction picture problems
  • Subtraction facts (3 practice pages)
  • Match the differences
  • Subtraction clip cards

What are your favorite resources to help teach subtraction with picture books?


Related Posts

These Dr Seuss math activities are perfect for kids of all ages! Choose one or more to go with your next Dr Seuss story time!   Living math books explain how math works. These are the best living books for preschool and elementary math.    One of my favorite ways to keep math fun is to incorporate storybooks into math lessons. I love this list of living math books to teach kids subtraction!

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  1. Free Teaching Subtraction with Picture Books Printables | Free Homeschool Deals © says:
    September 4 at 12:01 am

    […] these Free Teaching Subtraction with Picture Books Printables to help your child learn subtraction. This subtraction mini-pack is the perfect addition to your […]

    Reply
  2. Free Printable Math Worksheets for Preschool - 1st Grade says:
    March 1 at 11:36 pm

    […] How to Teach Subtraction with Picture Books | Just as there are many wonderful picture books to use to teach addition, there are also many picture books to teach subtraction. Tara walks you through how to use the picture books and includes a printable at the end for you to download. Your kids can practice their subtraction skills! […]

    Reply
  3. Free Printable Math Worksheets for Preschool - 1st Grade | Classically Homeschooling says:
    November 23 at 5:45 pm

    […] How to Teach Subtraction with Picture Books | Just as there are many wonderful picture books to use to teach addition, there are also many picture books to teach subtraction. Tara walks you through how to use the picture books and includes a printable at the end for you to download. Your kids can practice their subtraction skills! […]

    Reply

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