Beginning Subtraction
Getting Ready
1. Use the ice cream scoops you made in activity 8.
Subtraction 1-5
Objective
Students can take
away objects from a
group of objects and
tell how many are left.
2. Draw a v-shaped cone on the chalkboard. Tape 5 ice cream scoops above the
cone. Have students use their MathLines to help count the scoops. Count the first
scoop and move one ring to the left side. Count the second scoop and move
one more ring to the left side and so on.
Count “1, 2, 3, 4, 5.”
See the number 5 to the right of the last ring.
3. Invite a student to take one scoop away. Take one ring away on MathLine. Then,
count the scoops again. Check MathLine to see if the number is the same. Tell
students that there are 4 scoops left. Point out the number 4 on the right side
of the last ring.
Take away 1
Take away 1. Count the number left,“1, 2, 3, 4.”
See the answer 4 to the right of the last ring.
4. Continue a similar process by taking one away from 2, 3, and 4 scoops of ice
cream. Say the problem aloud, “5 take away 1 is 4,” etc.
Take away 1
Take away 1. Count the number left,“1, 2, 3.”
Student Page
See the answer 3 to the right of the last ring.
Practice – Have students count the circus performers. Take one away. Count them again. Circle the number. Now do
the problem 4 - 1 = 3 on MathLine. Say the problem aloud, “4 take away 1 is 3.” Have students color the pictures.
Activities – Tell students to count the objects. Take one away. Count them again. Circle the number of objects, and say
each problem aloud. Color the pictures.
Extension
• Write several numbers on the chalkboard. Make up a subtraction story with an answer that is on the chalkboard. Have
the children use MathLine to model the story, then, have them circle the correct number on the board.
• Have four children come to the front of the room and start jumping up and down. Count the children. Take one child
away. Count again. Invite a different number of children to come to the front of the room and take one away.
• Group children and have them act out subtraction stories.
• Model the subtraction stories on MathLine.
28
MathLine Preschool Teacher Lesson 9
© 2003 Howbrite Solutions. All Rights Reserved
Subtraction 1-5
Beginning Subtraction
Practice
Count the tightrope walkers.
Take one away. Count them again. Circle the number.
1
2
3
4
3
4
5
Activities
Count the circus performers. Take one away.
Count the objects again. Circle the number,
and say the problem aloud.
2
1
2
3
1
2
3
© 2003 Howbrite Solutions. All Rights Reserved
5
5
4
5
1
2
Student Lesson 9 - Practice & Activities
3
4
5
MathLine Preschool
29