How to Tell Kids Subtraction Stories

Although adding numbers is fairly simple for kids to learn, subtraction can be a tougher skill to master. Devise entertaining, creative ways to tell and teach kids how to "take away," like using stories that feature their favorite characters, objects and treats.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Work with food. For example, give each child 10 pretzels or jelly beans and let them eat four, then count to see how many they have left. Let them take turns coming up with subtraction problems with their remaining treats.

2. Use real-world situations that will pique their interest. Tell a story about going to the toy store where there are 10 new video games sitting on the shelf. Ask them to figure out of if they'll still be able to buy a game if six kids are in front of them in line.

3. Turn familiar stories into subtraction problems. If they recently watched "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," for example, ask how many dwarfs are left if five of them go outside to pick flowers for Snow White.

4. Keep an eye out for opportunities to tell subtraction stories throughout the day. If a child leaves to go to the bathroom, for example, ask the kids to create a subtraction problem to show how many are still in the classroom.

Tips & Warnings

• Help the kids visualize the subtraction problems as you're telling the stories by printing blank worksheets that they can use to write out the problems. Simply draw one box for the number you're starting with, a second box for the amount you're taking away and a third box for the number that is left. You can also give them whiteboards to draw items and erase or cross them out as they subtract.