Lesson Plan
Subtraction Showdown Plan
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of basic subtraction by solving 'take away' problems and finding the difference.
Understanding subtraction is a foundational math skill that helps students solve real-world problems, manage money, and grasp more complex mathematical concepts in the future.
Audience
2nd Grade Group
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Game-based learning and guided practice.
Materials
- Minus Mania Slides, - Subtraction Race Track Game, - Difference Detective Worksheet, - Whiteboards or scratch paper, - Markers or pencils, and - Small manipulatives (optional, e.g., unifix cubes, counters)
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
Review the Subtraction Showdown Plan and all linked materials: Minus Mania Slides, Subtraction Race Track Game, and Difference Detective Worksheet.
- Gather whiteboards/scratch paper, markers/pencils, and optional manipulatives.
- Set up the game area for the Subtraction Race Track Game.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What's Left?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "If I have 5 apples and I eat 2, how many are left?" (3 apples)
- Explain that today we are going to work on "taking away" or subtraction.
- Display the first slide of Minus Mania Slides to introduce the topic.
Step 2
Introduction to Subtraction
7 minutes
- Use Minus Mania Slides to explain the concept of subtraction as 'taking away' and finding the 'difference'.
- Go through examples together, encouraging students to use their fingers or manipulatives to visualize the process.
- Ask questions like: "What does the minus sign mean?" and "What is the answer to a subtraction problem called?"
Step 3
Game Time: Subtraction Race Track
12 minutes
- Introduce the Subtraction Race Track Game.
- Explain the rules: Students will roll a die (or draw a card), subtract that number from a given starting number (e.g., 10 or 12), and move their game piece. The first to the finish line wins.
- Facilitate the game, providing support and clarification as needed. Encourage students to explain their subtraction strategies.
Step 4
Practice & Reinforcement
4 minutes
- Distribute the Difference Detective Worksheet.
- Have students complete 2-3 problems independently or with a partner.
- Circulate and provide individualized support.
- Briefly review answers as a group or have students share their solutions.
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Slide Deck
Take Away! What's Left?
If I have 5 apples and I eat 2, how many are left?
Welcome students and get them thinking about subtraction. Use real objects if possible for the example.
What is Subtraction?
Subtraction means 'taking away' a part from a whole.
We find the difference between two numbers.
It helps us figure out what's left!
Explain what subtraction means. Emphasize 'take away' and 'difference'.
The Minus Sign (-)
The minus sign ( - ) tells us to subtract or 'take away'.
Example: 7 - 3 = 4
Seven take away three equals four. The difference is four.
Show the symbol and explain its function.
Let's Practice!
You have 8 cookies. You give 3 to a friend.
How many cookies do you have now?
8 - 3 = ?
Walk through a simple example. Encourage students to use fingers or manipulatives.
Another One!
There are 10 birds in a tree. 4 birds fly away.
How many birds are left in the tree?
10 - 4 = ?
Another example. Ask students for the answer.
Ready for a Subtraction Race?
Today we're going to play the Subtraction Race Track Game!
Get ready to show off your 'taking away' skills!
Introduce the game and get them excited!
You are a Difference Detective!
You've been great at taking away!
Now, let's solve some subtraction mysteries with our Difference Detective Worksheet.
Wrap up and transition to the worksheet. Briefly recap the main idea.
Game
Subtraction Race Track Game
Objective: Be the first to reach the finish line by correctly solving subtraction problems!
Materials:
- Game board (teacher-provided or drawn on a large piece of paper with a start and finish and several spaces in between)
- Small game pieces for each player (e.g., erasers, coins)
- One standard six-sided die OR subtraction problem cards (see below)
- Scratch paper or mini whiteboards for calculations
Setup:
- Each player chooses a game piece and places it on the "Start" space.
- Decide on a starting number for the game (e.g., 10, 12, 15). Write this number on the whiteboard for all students to see.
How to Play:
- The first player rolls the die.
- They subtract the number rolled from the chosen starting number. For example, if the starting number is 12 and they roll a 3, they calculate 12 - 3.
- They state their subtraction problem and the answer. (e.g., "12 minus 3 equals 9.")
- If correct, they move their game piece forward the number of spaces they rolled on the die (in this example, 3 spaces).
- If incorrect, they stay in their current spot.
- Players take turns rolling the die and solving subtraction problems.
- The first player to reach the "Finish" space wins!
Variation: Subtraction Problem Cards (instead of a die)
- Prepare cards with numbers 1-6 or simple subtraction problems (e.g., "Take away 2", "Subtract 4").
- Players draw a card and subtract the number from the starting number.
Teacher Tip: Encourage students to show their work on scratch paper or whiteboards if they need to. Provide manipulatives for visual learners.
Worksheet
Difference Detective Worksheet
Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________
Instructions: Be a Difference Detective! Read each problem carefully and solve the subtraction equations. Show your work!
-
There were 9 birds on a branch. 4 birds flew away. How many birds are left on the branch?
Equation: _____________________
Answer: _____________________
-
You had 12 delicious cookies. You ate 5 of them. How many cookies do you have now?
Equation: _____________________
Answer: _____________________
-
My crayon box had 15 crayons. I lost 6 crayons. How many crayons are left in my box?
Equation: _____________________
Answer: _____________________
-
There are 10 red apples and 3 green apples in a basket. How many more red apples are there than green apples?
Equation: _____________________
Answer: _____________________
-
Sarah had 18 stickers. She gave 7 stickers to her friend. How many stickers does Sarah have now?
Equation: _____________________
Answer: _____________________
-
Complete the subtraction sentences.
a) 11 - 3 = _____
b) 14 - 6 = _____
c) 9 - 2 = _____
d) 16 - 8 = _____
e) 7 - 0 = _____