This worksheet is a great resource for teaching subtraction word problems to kindergarten students. It makes learning subtraction easy by breaking down each problem into simple, manageable steps. Teachers can use this worksheet to guide students through strategies like drawing pictures, using ten frames, following number lines, and breaking down problems with number bonds. These methods help children understand subtraction in a fun and effective way.
How to use this worksheet:
Ask the child to read the problem: “There were 5 puppies playing in the yard, but 3 went to sleep. How many puppies are still playing?” Ensure that they understand it. Discuss the key elements of the problem. There were 5 puppies, and 3 went to sleep. Explain that these pieces of information will help in solving the problem.
Choose one or more strategies to solve the problem.
Draw a picture:
Ask the child to draw a picture representing the problem in the designated box. For example, they can draw 5 puppies in the yard and then cross out 3 to show the ones that went to sleep.
Use a ten-frame:
Guide the child to represent the problem using the ten frame. Ask the child to fill in 5 boxes for the puppies in the yard, then cross out 3 boxes to represent the puppies that went to sleep.
Follow the number line:
Show the child how to use the number line to solve the problem. Start at number 5 (representing the puppies in the yard). Move 3 steps to the left, landing on number 2.
Deeper engagement with the problem.
Use number bonds:
Ask the child to break down the problem using number bonds. The number bond will show the number 5 split into 2 (puppies still playing) and 3 (puppies that went to sleep). Answer: The number bond should have 5 as the whole, with 2 and 3 as the parts.
Write the sentence:
Have the child write a complete math sentence that answers the word problem in the provided space. Answer: 5-3=2.
This worksheet is perfect for practicing kindergarten subtraction word problems. It’s a valuable tool for any classroom, helping students build strong subtraction skills while making learning enjoyable. Download this worksheet today to add to your collection of kindergarten subtraction word problems worksheets!
Printing options: black lines.
