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Lesson Plan Template

  • Grade

  • Subject

  • Section

Kindergarten

Math

  • Competency

Subtraction up to 10 (K)

  • Aligned Standards

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

  • Strand

K.OA.A.1

  • Vocabulary

  • take away
  • subtract
  • total
  • equals

Subtract with Cubes (numbers up to 10)

Prerequisite Skill

Materials and Preparation

  • TeachTastic Worksheet Pack: Includes visual aids, step-by-step subtraction guides, and cube illustrations for practice.
  • Physical Cubes: A set of connecting cubes for each student or pair.

Learning Objectives

Students will learn to perform basic subtraction operations using physical cubes for numbers up to 10, enhancing their understanding of subtraction as taking away.

Introduction

Begin the lesson with a brief discussion about subtraction as taking something away from a group. Use real-life examples like taking away pencils from a cup.

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

Learn with an example:

  • Show students a row of 6 connecting cubes. Ask them to count the cubes and report their total number. Then, query if there is a total of 6 cubes, what would the total be if two were taken away. Demonstrate this process and have the students count again to determine the new total number of cubes. Confirm with students: "So if we started with a total of 6 cubes and we subtract two cubes, we have a new total of 4 cubes?" Invite students to confirm the answer and explain how they could show proof that this is true.
  • Question: Here are 6 cubes. Take away 2 cubes. Subtract. 6−2=
  • Solution: There are 6 cubes. Take away 2 cubes. There are 4 cubes left. Subtract. 6−2=4

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Guided Practice

Students will be given the "Cube Subtraction Steps" worksheet. This activity involves illustrated steps showing subtraction with cubes for various numbers up to 10, guiding students through the process.

Independent Practice

Students will receive the "Cubes Counting Down" worksheet. Here, they will perform several subtraction problems on their own using illustrations of cubes, applying the concept of subtraction by taking cubes away.

Differentiation

Support

  • Pair students up to work on subtraction problems together, discussing and physically manipulating cubes.
  • For students struggling with the concept, use larger, more visually distinct objects like blocks or toy cars.

Extension

  • Introduce the concept of subtraction with larger numbers or using different items for visual representation.
  • Encourage students to create their subtraction word problems using cubes or other classroom objects.

Assessment

Evaluate the completed worksheets, exit tickets, and participation in discussions and activities to assess each student's understanding of subtraction with cubes.

Review and closing

Summarize the lesson by reviewing the subtraction process with cubes and emphasizing the concept of "taking away." Highlight student successes and interesting findings during the practice activities.

Misconceptions

  • Students may confuse subtraction with addition, thinking the number gets larger instead of smaller. Reinforce the idea that subtraction means taking away.
  • Some students might try to count all cubes from the beginning instead of just subtracting the number taken away. Encourage counting back from the original number.
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