Turn subtraction from tricky to terrific with this engaging, real-world math lesson designed specifically for kindergarteners! Join AL as he answers Izzy’s question and introduces the core concept of taking away in a fun, relatable way. This video is packed with visual examples using common objects like cookies, bananas, colorful counting bears, Play-Doh, and even fingers to ensure young learners build a strong foundational understanding of subtraction.
What’s Covered in the Video:
- Core Concept: Understanding subtraction as “taking away” or finding “what’s left.”
- Key Vocabulary: Introduction to and explanation of essential terms like subtract, take away, difference, minus sign (-), and equal sign (=).
- Concrete Examples: Demonstrations using manipulatives (bears, Play-Doh) and everyday situations (cookies, cars) to solve simple subtraction problems within 10.
- Building Fluency: Using built-in tools like fingers for quick mental math practice.
- Writing Math Sentences: Connecting the concrete act of taking away to the abstract written math expression (e.g., $8 – 2 = 6$).
- Key Insight: Observing that the number always gets smaller when you subtract.
How to Use This Video:
- In the Classroom: This video serves as an excellent introduction or review tool for your subtraction unit. Pause the video at the real-life examples (bananas, bears, cars) and have students model the problem with their own manipulatives or drawings. Use the finger exercise as a quick brain break and practice drill.
- At Home: Parents can watch this with their child and immediately follow up by practicing subtraction with everyday objects around the house (toys, snacks, coins). Encourage them to use the math vocabulary learned in the video. The segment on writing math sentences is perfect for extending the learning into a simple workbook or drawing activity.
Common Core Curriculum Standards Covered
This lesson aligns with the following Kindergarten Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics:
Operations and Algebraic Thinking (K.OA)
- K.OA.A.1: Represent addition and subtraction with objects, fingers, mental images, drawings, sounds (e.g., claps), acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions, or equations.
- K.OA.A.2: Solve addition and subtraction word problems, and add and subtract within 10, e.g., by using objects or drawings to represent the problem.
- K.OA.A.5: Fluently add and subtract within 5. (This video provides a strong foundation for this fluency.)