Pirate Treasure Subtraction: Ahoy, Mateys!

Math Grades 1st Grade 3:30 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn subtraction with a fun pirate theme! Count, subtract, and circle the correct answer, just like finding buried treasure!

Video Resource

Pirate Subtraction for Grade 1 - Addition and Subtraction Worksheets | Kids Academy

Kids Academy

Duration: 3:30
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Subtraction as taking away
  • Counting to find the difference
  • Visual representation of subtraction

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to subtract within 15 using visual aids.
  • Students will be able to identify the correct answer to a subtraction problem from a set of options.
  • Students will be able to explain the process of subtraction as 'taking away'.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about pirates and treasure. Introduce the idea that pirates need to count their treasure and sometimes have to give some away (subtraction!). Briefly review counting to 15.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the 'Pirate Subtraction for Grade 1' video from Kids Academy. Encourage students to follow along and try to solve the problems before the teacher in the video does.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    After the video, work through similar subtraction problems on the board or with manipulatives (e.g., counters, blocks). Use pirate-themed word problems: 'Captain Bluebeard had 12 gold coins, but he gave 5 to his parrot. How many coins does he have left?'
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing similar subtraction problems with pictures. They should count the total number of items, cross out the number being subtracted, and then count the remaining items to find the answer.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the answers to the worksheet problems. Ask students to explain in their own words what subtraction means. Give a small reward (e.g., a sticker) for participation.

Interactive Exercises

  • Pirate Treasure Game
    Use counters as 'gold coins'. Present subtraction problems and have students physically remove the counters to find the answer.

Discussion Questions

  • What does it mean to subtract?
  • Can you think of a time when you had to subtract something?

Skills Developed

  • Subtraction
  • Counting
  • Problem-solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does it mean to subtract?

Correct Answer: To take away

Question 2:

If you have 10 flags and take away 3, how many flags are left?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 3:

What number is one less than 6?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 4:

Which number sentence shows taking away?

Correct Answer: 5 - 1 = 4

Question 5:

If a pirate has 8 gold coins and spends 2, how many does he have now?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 6:

Start with 5. Take away 0. How many are left?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 7:

What is 9 minus 4?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 8:

If you have 7 pirate hats and lose 1, how many are left?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 9:

Which one is a subtraction sign?

Correct Answer: -

Question 10:

12 take away 2 is?

Correct Answer: 10

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Subtraction means to ______ away.

Correct Answer: take

Question 2:

The sign for subtraction is ______.

Correct Answer: -

Question 3:

5 - 2 = ______

Correct Answer: 3

Question 4:

If you have 8 toys and give away 3, you have ______ toys left.

Correct Answer: 5

Question 5:

9 minus 1 is ______.

Correct Answer: 8

Question 6:

Taking away means the number gets ______.

Correct Answer: smaller

Question 7:

6 - 0 = ______

Correct Answer: 6

Question 8:

If you start with 10 and subtract 5, you are left with ______.

Correct Answer: 5

Question 9:

11 - 1 = ______

Correct Answer: 10

Question 10:

To subtract is the opposite of ______.

Correct Answer: adding

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).

Teaching Materials

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