Subtraction Kindergarten

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Teaching the concept of “how many are left” is a way of introducing basic subtraction to kindergarten students.

Explain that subtraction means taking away or finding out how many are left after some are taken away.
Give each student a set of counting objects. For the example with the number 4, provide 4 counters. Demonstrate subtraction by physically taking away some counters. For instance, remove 2 counters and explain that you are taking them away. Ask the students to count and tell you how many counters are left. Reinforce the idea that subtraction is finding the remaining quantity.
Have the students represent subtraction on paper or the whiteboard by drawing the starting quantity and crossing out the counters that are taken away. Then, they can count what’s left.
Tell simple stories. For instance, “You have 6 cookies, and you eat 3. How many cookies are left?”

Click on the following worksheet to get a printable pdf document.
Scroll down the page for more Subtraction Kindergarten Worksheets.

Have a look at the following lesson if you need review how to use “how many are left” to teach subtraction to kids.
How Many are Left?

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