Spooky Subtraction: Solving Word Problems with Less and Fewer!

Mathematics Grades 2nd Grade 6:33 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to solve subtraction word problems with keywords like 'less' and 'fewer' in this fun, Halloween-themed lesson!

Video Resource

Word Problems | Subtraction | Math for 2nd Grade

Kids Academy

Duration: 6:33
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Subtraction
  • Word Problems
  • Keywords (less, fewer)
  • Regrouping

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify keywords ('less' and 'fewer') in subtraction word problems.
  • Students will be able to solve two-digit subtraction word problems using regrouping.
  • Students will be able to explain their reasoning when solving subtraction word problems.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by introducing the lesson's theme: spooky Halloween word problems! Briefly discuss what word problems are and how they can be tricky. Explain that the lesson will focus on subtraction word problems and special keywords.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the YouTube video 'Word Problems | Subtraction | Math for 2nd Grade' from Kids Academy. Encourage students to watch carefully and listen for the keywords 'less' and 'fewer'.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through the two word problems from the video together as a class. Emphasize the process of identifying the important information and keywords. Model how to set up the subtraction problem and solve it using regrouping. Ask students to explain each step.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with 2-3 additional subtraction word problems (similar to the examples in the video). Have them work individually or in pairs to solve the problems. Circulate and provide support as needed.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson, including the keywords 'less' and 'fewer' and the regrouping strategy. Answer any remaining questions.

Interactive Exercises

  • Keyword Hunt
    Write several word problems (some addition, some subtraction) on the board. Have students identify and circle the keywords that indicate whether the problem is addition or subtraction.
  • Problem Creation
    In small groups, have students create their own subtraction word problems using the keywords 'less' or 'fewer'. They can then share their problems with the class for others to solve.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some clues that a word problem might be a subtraction problem?
  • Why is it important to underline or highlight the important information in a word problem?
  • Can you explain in your own words how to regroup when subtracting?

Skills Developed

  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Reading comprehension
  • Subtraction with regrouping

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does 'less' usually mean in a word problem?

Correct Answer: Subtracting

Question 2:

What does 'fewer' usually mean in a word problem?

Correct Answer: Subtracting

Question 3:

Lily has 32 candies. Ben has 15 fewer candies than Lily. How many candies does Ben have?

Correct Answer: 17

Question 4:

Tom has 51 toy cars. He gives away 24 cars. How many cars does Tom have left?

Correct Answer: 27

Question 5:

Which of these words is a clue that you might need to subtract?

Correct Answer: Fewer

Question 6:

What do we sometimes need to do when the number on top is smaller than the number on the bottom when subtracting?

Correct Answer: Regroup

Question 7:

Sarah has 45 stickers. Emily has 18 less than Sarah. How many stickers does Emily have?

Correct Answer: 27

Question 8:

There are 63 apples on a tree. 27 apples fall down. How many apples are left on the tree?

Correct Answer: 36

Question 9:

John found 52 seashells on the beach. Lisa found 16 fewer than John. How many seashells did Lisa find?

Correct Answer: 36

Question 10:

A bakery made 71 cookies. They sold 35 of them. How many cookies are left?

Correct Answer: 36

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

When we see the word '_____' in a word problem, it often means we need to subtract.

Correct Answer: less

Question 2:

The word '_____' is another clue that we might need to subtract.

Correct Answer: fewer

Question 3:

When subtracting, if the top number in a column is smaller, we need to ________.

Correct Answer: regroup

Question 4:

Finding important words in the word problem and ___________ them helps us understand the problem.

Correct Answer: underlining

Question 5:

If Amy has 25 toys and gives 10 away, she has 25 _____ 10 toys left.

Correct Answer: minus

Question 6:

Ben has 42 stickers. Sara has 15 ____ than Ben.

Correct Answer: fewer

Question 7:

We ______________ to show and solve a math problem.

Correct Answer: subtract

Question 8:

When we regroup, we borrow from the ______ place.

Correct Answer: tens

Question 9:

50 - 20 = _______

Correct Answer: 30

Question 10:

82 - 14 = _______

Correct Answer: 68

Educational Standards

2.N.2.5:Solve addition and subtraction problems involving whole numbers up to two digits. 2.N.2.4:Use strategies and algorithms based on knowledge of place value and equality to add and subtract two-digit numbers.

Teaching Materials

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