Lesson plan
What's the Difference?
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to count back to find the difference.
Introduction
(5 minutes)
- Write large numbers 1 through 10 on construction paper and give 10 students one number to hold in front of the class.
- Write the subtraction sentence "7 - 5" on the board.
- Ask the student who is holding the number 7 to hold it up high.
- Then ask students which direction should we go to subtract 5.
- Once students agree to count back, ask the child holding the number 6 to step forward.
- Next ask the student holding the number 5 to step forward. Continue these steps until 5 students have stepped forward.
- Write "2" to complete the subtraction sentence "7 - 5= 2."
- Tell students that today they're going to learn about counting back to find the difference.
Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling
(5 minutes)- Read aloud the following word problem: "Josh has 9 pencils. He gives 4 pencils away. How many pencils does Josh have left?"
- Introduce the number line to model the word problem.
- Show how to start at the first number, 9, and count back by the second number, 4.
- Repeat the activity for 8 - 3 = 5 and 6 - 4 = 2.
- Tell students that the number you end on is the Difference.
Guided practise
(10 minutes)- Cut the number line sheet into strips.
- Distribute a number line and a copy of the Subtraction worksheet for each child.
- Help students work through the first problem.
- Have students put a finger on the first number and count back moving each step on the number line.
- Work through the first three problems as a class.
Independent working time
(10 minutes)- Have students work through the exercises on the worksheet independently.
Differentiation
- Enrichment:For advanced students, let them complete the exercises independently without the number line.
- Support:For students who need support, help them to use the number line in a small group or one on one setting.
Assessment
(5 minutes)- Observe students as they use the number line or any other strategy to subtract basic facts.
Review and closing
(5 minutes)- Ask students to explain how you find the difference for 11 - 6.
Related Guided LessonBased on your interest in What's the Difference?.
Subtraction 3
7 online games
1 interactive story
5 printable worksheets
Related learning resources
What's the Difference?
Lesson plan
What's the Difference?
..."
Tell students that today they're going to learn about counting back to find the difference.
Students will be able to count back to find the difference....
Year 3
Maths
Lesson plan
Add Up The Coins
Worksheet
Add Up The Coins
Enjoy helping your little counter add up the values of these coins. He'll be learning an important skill he can use every day.
Year 3
Maths
Worksheet
Subtraction in the Air #29
Worksheet
Subtraction in the Air #29
...Help your child's subtraction skills soar above the clouds with this sky-themed maths worksheet....
Year 3
Maths
Worksheet
Where In The World #5
Worksheet
Where In The World #5
Where in the world is the mysterious location this time? Solve the addition problems to decipher the secret city, country and continent!
Year 3
Maths
Worksheet
