Lesson Plan: Subtraction in Mathematics
Grade Level
Year 2
Duration
30 minutes
Objective
Students will understand the concept of subtraction and be able to solve simple subtraction problems using concrete objects, number lines, and written algorithms.
Materials Required
- Counters (e.g., blocks, buttons, or beans)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Worksheets with subtraction problems
- Number lines
- Interactive subtraction games (optional)
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Begin the lesson by reviewing what addition is, explaining that subtraction is the opposite operation.
- Ask students if they can relate subtraction to any real-life situations (e.g., taking away apples from a basket).
- Write a subtraction equation on the board (e.g., 5 - 2 = ?). Discuss what it means.
Direct Instruction (10 minutes)
- Explain Subtraction: Describe subtraction as taking away a certain number from a total.
- Concrete Representation: Use counters to demonstrate subtraction. For instance, show 5 counters and take away 2, counting how many are left.
- Number Line: Introduce the concept of a number line to visually see subtraction. Demonstrate how to hop back on the number line to find the difference.
- Written Algorithm: Show students how to write the subtraction equation in standard form (e.g., 5 - 2 = 3).
Guided Practice (10 minutes)
- Distribute counters to each student or pair. Have them work on the following problems using counters:
- 7 - 3
- 6 - 2
- 8 - 5
- After they have worked independently, ask students to share their answers and discuss how they arrived at their solutions.
- Reinforce the use of the number line by modelling subtracting using a number line on the board.
Independent Practice (5 minutes)
- Hand out worksheets with various subtraction problems suitable for Year 2.
- Problems may include simple two-digit subtractions (with no borrowing) and visuals (e.g., pictures where students will count and subtract).
- Circulate around the classroom as students work to provide support and encouragement.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Bring the class back together and review the key concepts learned about subtraction.
- Ask students to volunteer to share one subtraction problem they've solved during the lesson and explain their thought process.
- Assign additional subtraction practice for homework, such as subtraction games or problems from a math workbook.
Assessment
- Monitor students during guided and independent practice to assess their understanding of subtraction.
- Review the completed worksheets to evaluate their proficiency in solving subtraction problems.
Adaptations
- Provide additional support for students who need it by pairing them with a buddy during practice time.
- For advanced learners, include word problems or larger numbers for additional challenge.
Resources
- Educational videos on subtraction
- Online subtraction games (e.g., ABCya, Education.com)
- Math toolkit with visual aids and manipulatives
This lesson plan aims to foster an understanding of the subtraction operation in a fun and engaging way, aligning with the Australian curriculum standards for Year 2 mathematics.