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There are many children’s books and videos that teach subtraction strategies. Gather a few to maximize your lesson and give kids hands-on experience learning how to subtract.
Subtraction Strategies Books & Videos for Kids
When finding materials to teach subtraction, it’s important to have visual materials so that beginners will feel more comfortable practicing this new math skill. As children progress and are able to do subtraction in their head or more quickly, it’s time to challenge them with more difficult subtraction problems! These children’s books and videos that teach subtraction will give both beginner learners and more experienced learners something to challenge them.
Teach Subtraction Strategies with Children’s Books
Books are enjoyable, whether reading for fun or reading to learn something. These children’s books that teach subtraction help children understand that subtraction is simply taking away from a group of items. Each book will expose children to the concept behind subtraction, how to recognize a subtraction equation, and important vocabulary they need to know.
1. Five Green and Speckled Frogs
Counting backward is a foundational skill for subtraction. Children will learn how to count backward from five in this introductory book to subtraction. The author uses rhymes to make learning fun for kids. Add in the fact that each page is filled with interesting and glittery illustrations and it’ll quickly become a favorite story to read.
2. Ten Sly Piranhas: A Counting Story in Reverse
Here is another math book that will teach children the foundational skills necessary for subtraction! It starts with ten piranhas swimming around … until one piranha sneaks up and eats another one! Children will love counting backward as the sly piranhas take turns finding their “dinner”. What will happen when there’s only one sly piranha left?
3. Monster Musical Chairs
Musical Chairs is a game that children love! This interactive game is combined with subtraction in the book Monster Musical Chairs. With each round of musical chairs, one monster is out after the music stops, which means it needs to be subtracted from the total number of monsters playing. Children will have fun counting the monsters and answering how many are left!
4. Elevator Magic
In this story, the elevator is full of magic! Ben starts at the top of the elevator and must ride down to the lobby. On the way, the door opens and he gets to experience the fun of subtraction with magical scenes through the door. Children will delight with each new situation as they learn about how subtraction works.
Building fluency with basic subtraction math facts is important. Sorting equation cards by difference is an effective way to practice. Click here to check it out.
5. Shark Swimathon
Some goals are easier to accomplish, many times being accomplished almost immediately. Other goals, however, need a longer period of time before it can be completed. In this book, the Ocean City sharks are ready to have a swimathon. In order to prepare, they must swim a total of 75 laps before the week is over. Children will enjoy learning how the sharks use subtraction to help keep track of their progress as they work towards a common goal.
6. The Action of Subtraction
Numbers have never been so fun as they are in this book! Children will learn how subtraction is simply taking one (or more) away from another number. The pages are filled with illustrations that allow children to count as well. This gives them the hands-on experience they need to become subtraction masters!
7. If You Were a Minus Sign
Children will love the imaginative fun in the book If You Were a Minus Sign. In this story, children will learn that the minus sign means “taking away” from a number. They’ll have fun subtracting different items, including food and even balloons! Give children their own math manipulative so that they can recreate the subtraction problem.
8. Hershey’s Kisses Subtraction Book
Chocolate is a favorite for many people, both children, and adults! That’s what makes this subtraction book so fun. The author uses Hershey’s Kisses as the teaching tool for helping children understand more about subtraction. Real Hershey’s Kisses can be used alongside the book, giving children hands-on experience subtracting Kisses from their group as they munch on their tasty treat.
9. Subtraction Action
Subtraction is a math skill that will be used throughout life. In Subtraction Action, the author uses fun animal illustrations to teach children how to subtract more difficult equations. It even introduces the concept of regrouping, as well as subtracting up to three-digit numbers! The author continues the lesson by showing how subtraction is something that children need to know for real-life situations. In the case of this book, that means the school fair! Join in on the subtraction fun as the characters purchase snacks, beat obstacle course records and more.
10. Panda Math: Learning About Subtraction
There are so many ways to learn about subtraction. This book uses pandas to help teach children what subtraction is all about. It combines real photos of pandas, along with charts and diagrams that make learning about subtraction FUN! Follow along with Hua Mei, the giant panda, as she also discovers how math can help her too.
Kids learn math skills best when it is taught with hands-on practice. This playdough smash activity is a fun way for them to practice subtracting. Click here to check it out.
Teach Subtraction Strategies with Children’s Videos
Interactive videos are teaching tools that can’t be ignored. These children’s videos use cartoons, songs and more to make learning subtraction fun and enjoyable. This type of hands-on learning will allow children to master this skill and retain it so that they can continue to subtract throughout their school careers.
1. Basic Subtraction
When teaching children about subtraction, it’s important to give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they’ve learned. That’s why this video is so fantastic for beginners. It addresses what subtraction means in a fun and engaging way, then allows children to do their very own subtracting problems.
2. Math Flashcards: Subtraction
Although children might not be extremely fast when they first learn about subtraction, a little bit of practice will go a long way in transforming them into masters! This video helps children master subtraction by using flashcards. Children need to look at a common subtraction equation and must try to answer the correct answer.
3. When You Subtract with a Pirate
Help to make learning fun for children by using this video to teach subtraction! The captain in this video makes a shipmate walk the plank, encouraging children to subtract that person from the total amount. When combined with the fun music and lyrics for the chorus, this video will be a favorite for children of all ages.
4. Math Kids – Learn Subtraction
Repetition is sure to help children remember important details. This video uses repetition to show subtraction equations and how to work them. Children will feel as if they’re a part of this game as they join in on counting how many are left after subtracting. Soon enough, they’ll quickly be able to tell the answer without counting!
5. Subtraction with Regrouping
As children develop their subtracting skills, it’s important to continue to challenge them and help them grow. That’s when subtraction with regrouping should be taught! This video explains regrouping in detail, showing children what to do when they have a difficult subtraction problem. Children will be excited to show off their new subtraction skills after watching this video.
Subtraction Classroom Resources
Help your students learn subtraction strategies and master skills with comprehensive, hands-on, and fun resources. Click any of the links below to purchase a resource for your classroom.
Subtraction to 10 Kindergarten
2-Digit Subtraction Second Grade
3-Digit Subtraction Second Grade
Free Math Review Mats
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