Introducing Subtraction with Regrouping - without losing your mind!
Let’s face it… Introducing subtraction with regrouping is not our students’ favorite lesson. Addition seems to come so naturally for them, and then it’s time to introduce subtraction with regrouping and… well… somebody queue the crickets!
After four years of teaching second grade, I still wince when we get to the inevitable subtraction chapter! BUT, I have definitely picked up a few tricks and resources along the way!
If you find yourself in this struggle, FIRST OF ALL… take a deep breath and remember you are amazing (because you teach children… so that is a given)...
But also, I'd love to share some of my insight with you- AND hear yours! Let’s get started!
Make your Subtraction Introduction Collaborative
How many times have you introduced regrouping to your students, (thought your lesson was a show stopper) and then were met with blank stares?
Introducing Subtraction with Regrouping is a dense concept. It can be a lot at first for your students, and in my opinion, one of the hardest mathematical practices they have been taught so far!
I like to keep my introduction fun and collaborative. I use the popular Subtraction Poem to help my students remember when they need to regroup.
More on the TOP - No need to STOP!
More on the FLOOR - Go next door and TAKE 10 MORE!
Numbers the SAME - ZERO is the game!
Digital Anchor Charts
When I introduce the poem, I use a digital anchor chart. I keep the introduction short but collaborative so it is memorable!
I love using digital anchor charts!
They are easier to save than your classic anchor chart. This saves PREP and PLANNING time.
You can digitally extend your classroom environment - which will allow access to these visuals from home.
You can give student access to digital copies of the template and allow them to recreate it, WITHOUT cutting, pasting, or having to make copies!
Click here to purchase the digital anchor chart template that I use in my class!
This resource includes a digital anchor chart template and digital student practice. I use the student practice to extend the lesson in our class technology center.
Subtraction Poem Digital Anchor Chart
Subtraction Poem Digital Anchor Chart
Digital Anchor Chart - Includes a variety of editable versions
I find that using this poem works well when introducing subtraction because it is catchy and short! I continue to refer to it throughout our subtraction chapter and it REALLY sticks.
Subtraction Fluency is the Foundation
If you are a 2nd grade teacher, you know that students are introduced to subtraction in 1st grade. But, you better believe that the majority of your second graders were NOT reviewing flashcards during their summer break. If students are rusty on their math facts, this can make introducing subtraction that much more difficult.
I am a STRONG believer that math fact fluency is the foundation that your students need to thrive when learning the steps to double digit subtraction!
Subtraction with regrouping is a multi-step process. If a student is still using their fingers to subtract, it will be difficult for them to keep up with the pace of the class during your whole group lesson. This will lead to them losing confidence which can affect their grades (or worse - their motivation to learn). Of course, this is a huge problem when math concepts continue to build.
From DAY ONE in second grade, I prioritize keeping my kids accountable for practicing their math facts. I encourage them to know them by heart (or quick mental math strategies) rather than counting on their fingers.
Here are some ways that I do this:
Online Resources:
Reflex Math(hopefully your school has access to the resources - if not I highly encourage you to recommend it)
WebMathMinute(LOVE this website!Students can use it in school or at home - you can even create accounts for your students and grade their fluency practice!)
Review Mental Math Strategies:
I constantly review mental math strategies in class. Whenever I am given the opportunity, I explain my mental math strategies in whole group.
For example, if I was completing a problem on the board I would detail out loud the mental math strategy I used when subtracting in the ones place.
I might say, "I regrouped and now I have 14 minus 8. Well I know 14 minus 4 is 10, so if subtract 4 more, I am left with 6. So 14 minus 8 is 6."
Mental Math Interactive Resources: If you are looking for a resource to help introduce and practice mental math strategies, you can click here to purchase my Mental Math Strategies: Teacher Introduction & Student Practice Bundle!
Addition and Subtraction Fluency - Teacher Introduction
Addition and Subtraction Fluency - Student Digital Practice
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2. In the door fluency checks: I quiz students one by one as they enter the classroom in the morning. You can do this orally, with flashcards, or rotating weekly equations on the door.
3. Fluency Centers: I always make sure fluency is the focus in at least one of my math centers. I introduce a handful of fluency games throughout the year and give students options on how they would like to practice when they get to this center during rotations.
4. Communicating it to parents: At open house, or when parents ask how they can help their kids at home, I make sure to bring up flash cards. I emphasize making it part of their daily routine. I can always tell when students are practicing at home!
Helpful Manipulatives for Introducing Subtraction
Students love when you bust out the manipulatives! But, it can be time consuming, and if you are not careful - you can lose them real quick. I like to keep my manipulative selection simple, doable, and realistic.
Introducing Subtraction with Digital Manipulatives
When I am introducing subtraction I like to use digital manipulatives to show regrouping during my whole group lesson. This is extremely helpful later at my small group table, when my students are given the opportunity to use base ten blocks or unifix cubes.
My favorite website for digital base ten blocks is Math Learning Center. No affiliation here, just a top notch website with great educational apps. It’s worth investigating if you have not already. I use their Number Pieces Resource during our subtraction chapter A LOT!
Let’s be honest, as teachers we know that not all students can handle using base ten blocks independently or during a guided small group lesson. We also know that during centers we need to make the most of our time. For those students who are not able to be productive with real base ten blocks or unifix cubes, I continue the digital demonstration at my small group table.
Introducing Subtraction with Dry Erase Markers
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy! I love using dry erase markers during small group when introducing subtraction with regrouping! (They even work well during whole group!) They are a great way to use different materials to keep your kiddos engaged and eager to learn!
It might sound simplistic, but that is just the beauty of it.
I know that in order for my students to become fluent at subtracting within 100, repetition is so very important. But, in order to stay clear of being a drill and kill environment, I like to spice things up by letting students use dry erase markers at their desk to solve their subtraction problems.
You don’t even have to use a dry erase board. You can simply have students write on their desk and wipe off with a paper towel!
Try not to underestimate the value of letting your students use dry erase markers at their desks.
There are so many benefits to using them in class!
Here are a few:
They are easy to distribute and store.
They are great during whole group, small group, or to close the lesson! Personally, I love to use them while closing our lesson, because my students know that the dry erase markers will not be brought out if they did not meet my expectations during centers.
Students are more motivated to show their work with the dry erase marker than they are with paper and pencil!
And the kids love them!
Common Mistakes in Subtraction when Regrouping
Because there are multiple steps that students need to take in order to solve correctly, there is so much room for error- especially at the beginning. I always find myself analyzing students’ work to try and determine where my kids are needing more support.
Are they forgetting to regroup?
Are they regrouping even when they don’t need to?
Are they regrouping incorrectly?
Are they subtracting from the smaller number?
Are they setting up their place value incorrectly?
OR are they simply rusty with their subtraction fluency?
And this is just the tip of the iceberg!
Your students, being the beautiful diverse learners that they are, probably each need their own tailored recipe of support! (Did somebody say differentiated instruction!)
I have used countless resources to assist my students throughout the years. Overtime, I have put together some of my own resources that help correct those popular common errors that I continue to see come up.
With these common errors in mind - I created the resource “Subtraction Practice - Differentiated Instruction” to serve as a one stop shop!
Subtraction - Differentiated Practice
Subtraction - Differentiated Practice - Reteach & Enrich
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The differentiated worksheets included helps me reach all of my students’ subtraction practice needs in the most effective way!
It also includes great enrichment practice for students who are ready for more of a challenge!
Click here to purchase this differentiated resource.
Ways I use this Differentiated Resource:
Small group: I identify and group students based on common errors. Then I use these resources in my small group for tailored practice.
Independent or “At Your Seat” work during centers: There is a variety of worksheets included in this resource. INCLUDING worksheets for enrichment. All students work at their own pace. Some of your class might be ready for something more challenging and independent!
Early Finishers: I try to always have a variety of the worksheets printed for early finishers – kids love options!
Review Subtraction Regularly
worked so hard to help them learn, does not leave them!
Review subtraction with regrouping REGULARLY!
Here are some ways you can keep up the practice:
Spiral review
Bell Ringers
Warm up journal work
Subtraction Boom Cards for early finishers
If you have any Teacher Tips for teaching subtraction with regrouping, leave a comment down below!
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