Furthering understanding of subtraction as decreasing an amount
I can compare subtraction as decreasing an amount to other addition and subtraction structures.
Furthering understanding of subtraction as decreasing an amount
I can compare subtraction as decreasing an amount to other addition and subtraction structures.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Subtraction can be seen as both partitioning and as decreasing an amount.
- Both types of subtraction stories are represented by the same equation.
- In an addition story, the amount at the start of the story is increased.
- In an subtraction story, the amount at the start of the story is decreased.
Keywords
Subtraction - To partition one part from another (the subtrahend from the difference), or to decrease an amount by taking an amount away.
Decrease - Make something smaller in size or quantity decrease.
Addition - To find the total, or sum, by combining two or more parts (addends), or to increase an amount by adding another.
Increase - To make something larger/greater in size or quantity.
Common misconception
After exploring reduction, children may struggle to see partitioning as subtraction because a part is not taken away from the whole.
Make strong links between equations and different subtraction contexts by focusing on what the subtrahend represents in each case.
To help you plan your year 1 maths lesson on: Furthering understanding of subtraction as decreasing an amount, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 1 maths lesson on: Furthering understanding of subtraction as decreasing an amount, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 maths lessons from the Additive structures: addition and subtraction unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
First, there were 8 cars. Then, 4 drove away. Now, there are 4 cars.
First, there were 5 dogs. Then, 5 ran away. Now, there are 0 dogs.
First, there were 10 birds. Then, 6 flew away. Now, there are 4 birds.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
