Lesson Plan: Subtraction
Subject: Mathematics
Topic: Subtraction
Grade: Year 1
Duration: 30 Minutes
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the concept of subtraction as "taking away".
- Solve simple subtraction problems using objects and visual aids.
- Relate subtraction to real-life experiences.
Materials Required
- Counting bears or similar manipulatives (10 per student)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Subtraction flashcards (with pictures)
- Worksheets for practice
- Storybook featuring subtraction themes (optional)
Introduction (5 minutes)
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Engage the Students:
- Begin with a brief discussion about subtraction. Ask students if they have ever taken away something, like sharing cookies or toys.
- Pose a simple question: “If I have 5 apples and I give away 2, how many are left?” Use this to introduce the vocabulary related to subtraction: minus, take away, equals.
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Objective Sharing:
- Explain that today they will learn how to subtract, or take away, numbers.
Direct Instruction (10 minutes)
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Demonstrate Subtraction:
- Using the whiteboard, draw 5 apples. Emphasise the counting: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5".
- Cross out 2 apples and ask students how many are left. Write the equation on the board: 5 - 2 = 3.
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Visual Representation:
- Show how to represent subtraction using the counting bears. Allow students to use their bears to practice by giving them various subtraction problems, such as:
- "You have 7 bears; if you take away 3, how many do you have left?"
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Introduce Flashcards:
- Present subtraction flashcards with pictures. E.g., Show a picture of 4 ducks and ask how many are left if 2 fly away.
Guided Practice (10 minutes)
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Interactive Activity:
- Divide students into pairs and provide each pair with counting bears. Give them a series of subtraction problems to solve together, such as:
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Circulate the Room:
- Walk around and provide assistance, ensuring students are understanding how to count and take away.
Independent Practice (5 minutes)
- Worksheet Activity:
- Hand out subtraction worksheets that feature pictures and simple subtraction problems.
- Encourage students to solve the problems and draw pictures to represent the equations.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Review and Reflect:
- Gather students and review the subtraction problems they solved.
- Reinforce the vocabulary of subtraction and ensure all students have an understanding.
- Ask students to share one example of subtraction from their day (e.g., “If I had 10 crayons and lost 3…”).
Assessment
- Monitor students during guided practice to assess their understanding.
- Review the completed worksheets to evaluate each student’s grasp of the subtraction concept.
Extension Activities
- Storytime: Read a story involving subtraction and have students illustrate their favourite part.
- Subtraction games: Introduce simple subtraction games that can be played in groups or pairs.
Additional Notes
- Adapt activities for students who may need additional support, such as providing one-on-one assistance or using simpler numbers.
- Ensure to use inclusive language and encourage participation from all students throughout the lesson.