Subtraction Superstars: Learning About Minus!

Math Grades 1st Grade 7:30 Video
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Lesson Description

Let's learn about the minus sign and how to subtract! We'll take things away and see what's left!

Video Resource

Learn Grade 1 - Maths - Introducing the Minus Sign and Subtraction

KidsClassroom - Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs

Duration: 7:30
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Key Concepts

  • Subtraction is taking away.
  • The minus sign (-) means to subtract.
  • Subtraction can be shown using objects and numbers.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the minus sign.
  • Students will be able to solve simple subtraction problems using objects.
  • Students will be able to write subtraction equations using the minus sign.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what happens when you take something away. Show them some objects (e.g., pencils, crayons) and physically remove some. Introduce the concept of 'taking away' as subtraction. Show the video: Learn Grade 1 - Maths - Introducing the Minus Sign and Subtraction.
  • Understanding the Minus Sign (5 mins)
    After watching the video, ask students what the minus sign looks like. Write it on the board and explain that it means 'take away'. Relate it back to the action of removing objects.
  • Subtraction with Objects (10 mins)
    Give each student a set of small objects (e.g., counters, buttons, blocks). Guide them through simple subtraction problems. For example, 'Start with 5 counters. Take away 2. How many are left?' Have them write down the subtraction equation (5 - 2 = 3).
  • Practice Problems (10 mins)
    Work through more subtraction problems as a class. Use visuals like drawing circles on the board and crossing some out to represent taking away. Encourage students to explain their thinking.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review what they learned about the minus sign and subtraction. Ask them to give examples of when they might use subtraction in their daily lives.

Interactive Exercises

  • Drawing Subtraction
    Have students draw pictures to represent subtraction problems. For example, if the problem is 6 - 3, they could draw 6 apples and cross out 3.
  • Number Line Subtraction
    Introduce a number line. Start at the first number and move backwards (to the left) the number of spaces indicated by the number being subtracted. Where you land is the answer!

Discussion Questions

  • What does it mean to subtract?
  • Where have you seen the minus sign before?
  • Can you think of a time when you had to take something away?

Skills Developed

  • Understanding the concept of subtraction
  • Using the minus sign correctly
  • Solving simple subtraction problems

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does the minus sign (-) mean?

Correct Answer: Take Away

Question 2:

What is 5 - 2?

Correct Answer: 3

Question 3:

If you have 4 cookies and you eat 1, how many cookies do you have left?

Correct Answer: 3

Question 4:

Which number sentence shows taking away?

Correct Answer: 3 - 1 = 2

Question 5:

What is 7 take away 3?

Correct Answer: 4

Question 6:

What is the number sentence for: you have 6 apples and you give away 2?

Correct Answer: 6 - 2 = 4

Question 7:

What is 9 - 5?

Correct Answer: 4

Question 8:

If you have 10 toy cars, and you give your friend 4 cars, how many do you have left?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 9:

What is 8 - 0?

Correct Answer: 8

Question 10:

What is 3 - 3?

Correct Answer: 0

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The _______ sign tells us to subtract.

Correct Answer: minus

Question 2:

When we subtract, we _______ things away.

Correct Answer: take

Question 3:

6 - 1 = _______

Correct Answer: 5

Question 4:

If you have 8 balloons and 2 pop, you have _______ left.

Correct Answer: 6

Question 5:

5 - 5 = _______

Correct Answer: 0

Question 6:

10 - _______ = 5

Correct Answer: 5

Question 7:

_______ - 2 = 4

Correct Answer: 6

Question 8:

9 - _______ = 1

Correct Answer: 8

Question 9:

4 - 0 = _______

Correct Answer: 4

Question 10:

7 - 4 = _______

Correct Answer: 3

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6:Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10. Use strategies such as counting on; making ten (e.g., 8 + 6 = 8 + 2 + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14); decomposing a number leading to a ten (e.g., 13 - 4 = 13 - 3 - 1 = 10 - 1 = 9); using the relationship between addition and subtraction (e.g., knowing that 8 + 4 = 12, one knows 12 - 8 = 4); and creating equivalent but easier or known sums (e.g., adding 6 + 7 by creating the known equivalent 6 + 6 + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13). CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.D.8:Determine the unknown whole number in an addition or subtraction equation relating three whole numbers. For example, determine the unknown number that makes the equation true in each of the equations 8 + ? = 11, 5 = _ - 3, 6 + 6 = _.

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