Teaching subtraction is no typical math endeavor. Your little learners should first master addition before embarking on this journey. (See Introducing Addition to Little Learners) Get ready to explore a variety of Subtraction Strategies for Kindergarten that will transform your students into subtraction experts in no time!

Subtraction is a fundamental mathematical operation that plays a crucial role in understanding how numbers relate to one another. It goes beyond simply being the inverse of addition; subtraction helps us find the difference between two numbers, which is key in various real-life applications.
Introducing Subtraction
To effectively introduce this concept, I utilize an anchor chart. This visual aid serves as a powerful tool to illustrate the subtraction process clearly and engagingly. The chart features examples of subtraction problems, visual representations like number lines or counters, and step-by-step breakdowns of how to approach subtraction.
As we gather together as a group, I encourage active participation. I ask students to share their thoughts on what subtraction means to them and how they might use it in everyday situations. This discussion not only helps to activate prior knowledge but also fosters a collaborative learning environment where everyone feels valued.
Next, we delve into practical examples. Using the anchor chart, I demonstrate how to subtract with tangible objects, such as blocks or counters. This hands-on approach allows kindergarteners to visually grasp the concept of taking away and seeing the result of subtraction.
The Subtraction Strategies Book provides all the resources needed to effectively teach eight distinct subtraction strategies to your little learners!

This resource includes everything you need to explicitly teach eight different subtraction strategies to your kindergartners!
Hands-On Activities
Once the subtraction concept is introduced and the whole group has participated, it’s time for independent practice. Hands-on activities are an excellent way to strengthen subtraction skills for little learners. Utilize manipulatives like blocks or counters to make the concept more tangible and easier for kindergarteners to grasp. Begin with simple subtraction problems involving small numbers to establish a solid foundation before progressing to more complex calculations.

Subtraction Strategies Featured in This Product:
Using Fingers
Crossing Out Pictures (seasonal option)
Taking Away Counters or Objects
Drawing Dots and Crossing Them Out
Utilizing a 10 Frame (5-Frame option included)
Whole Part/Part
Using a Number Line (0-5 Number Line option included)
Counting Back
What’s Included:
Subtraction Definition Page
Subtraction Vocabulary Words Page
Important Subtraction Symbols Page
Subtraction Equation with Definition Labels Page
One specific book page for each subtraction strategy, with several options
Practice page corresponding to each strategy; options for 8 and 12 equations
Subtraction exercises for numbers 0-5 and 0-10
A blank page for adding your own subtraction teaching strategy
Plus, color and black-and-white large clip art images for use on anchor charts
Once you’ve dazzled your kindergarteners with subtraction strategies and showered them with practice, they’ll be math wizards ready to conquer 1st grade and beyond! Watch out, world—here come the tiny math maestros!
