Using as many fun and interactive manipulatives as possible when practising subtraction is key in children building an understanding of the concept.

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For this activity:

1. You will need: printed number cards (provided to download), objects to count and a whiteboard or paper.
2. Create math sentences using the objects. For example, place 5 toy cars in front of your child. Ask them to count them. Ask them to find the number 5 printed card. Using the printed card as a guide, ask them to write 5 on the whiteboard. Now take 3 cars away. Identify how many cars had been taken – and then ask your child to find the number 3 printed card. Carefully write a subtraction sign after the 5, and explain that it means “take away”. Write number 3 after the subtraction sign. Now how many are left? Count the cars, identify the number and find the matching printed number card. Write an “equal” sign after the 3, reinforcing the meaning. Then write the answer.
3. Repeat this activity using different objects and different numbers.
4. Remember to read the numbers from left to right like a sentence, “five take away three equals two”.
5. Hands-on conceptualisation of addition and subtraction really helps to bring maths to life!