Grade 1/Subtraction
Writing Subtraction Sentences to 20 (236)
Practice writing subtraction sentences from pictures and equations (numbers to 20) to build fluency with counting back, crossing out, and place-value thinking.
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Quick Tip
Use counting, crossing out, or draw tens/ones to help. For picture items, write the matching subtraction sentence.
Teacher Resources
Lesson Plan
Basic Subtraction Strategies
Standards
1.OA.C.6Printable Aids
Number Line 0-20Subtraction Flashcards
Teaching Notes
Focus on connecting visual representations (crossing out, part-whole models) to the symbolic subtraction sentence. Emphasize the 'take away' or 'difference' meaning. Encourage students to articulate their thinking process to build deeper understanding.
Vocabulary
Subtraction sentence: An equation using minus and equals signs.
Difference: The result of subtraction.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing minuend and subtrahend (e.g., writing 3-7 instead of 7-3).
- Incorrectly counting initial items or crossed-out items.
- Not writing the full subtraction sentence (e.g., just the answer).
- Misinterpreting the picture to represent addition instead of subtraction.
Differentiation
SupportProvide manipulatives (counters, number lines) to model the subtraction process. Start with numbers to 10 before moving to 20. Use pre-drawn circles that students can cross out.
ChallengeIntroduce problems with missing parts in the sentence (e.g., 15 - ? = 8). Challenge students to create their own subtraction pictures and corresponding sentences.
Discussion Questions
- How does crossing out objects help you understand subtraction?
- What do each of the numbers in your subtraction sentence represent?
- Can you think of a real-life situation where you would use subtraction to solve a problem?
- How can you check if your subtraction answer is correct using addition?
Extension Activities
- Draw subtraction stories.
- Use a number line.
- Write related addition sentences.
Parent Tip
Use objects to act out subtraction sentences with your child.
Learning Path
Skill Cluster
Number Sense & Operations
Grade Level
1-2
Skills Practiced
subtraction sentencesbasic subtractionnumber bonds
Prerequisites
- Counting Backwards
- Number Bonds
- Counting Back to Subtract
- Identifying Parts of a Subtraction Problem
- Number Bonds to 10
Next Steps
- Subtraction with Regrouping
- Word Problems
- Subtraction Word Problems (to 20)
- Missing Subtrahend/Minuend Problems
- Subtraction with Larger Numbers (to 100)
- Subtraction Word Problems to 20
- Fact Families: Addition and Subtraction
- Subtracting with Base Ten Blocks