Interpret and represent subtraction stories
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can interpret and represent subtraction stories that involve decreasing an amount using the ‘First, then, now’ structure.
Key learning points
- In a ‘First, then, now’ subtraction story, the number at the start of the story is decreased by subtracting a part.
- When using subtraction to decrease an amount, the number that is decreased must always be represented first.
- This can be represented with practical equipment and as a bar model or a number line.
- We can write an equation to match these representations.
Keywords
First - Before anything else.
Then - After something in time.
Now - At the present time.
Decrease - To make something smaller in size or quantity.
Common misconception
The change in amount during the 'then' part of the story may be hard to identify.
Draw attention to explicitly to the change, talking about it as a decrease.
Teacher tip
Draw attention to how the reduction structure of subtraction is different to partitioning. Use 'take away' interchangeably with 'subtract' here to help highlight that the subtrahend is physically taken away rather than just 'partitioned' from the difference.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Alex writes an equation to match this story.
7 - 2 = 5
What does the 5 represent?
Q2.Which story could match the picture?
Q3.Which set of counters would represent this story?
First, there were 8 pounds in my pocket.
Then, I spent 3 pounds.
Now, there are 5 pounds in my pocket.
Q4.Which equation matches the picture?
Q5.Which equation matches the story?
First, there were 8 books on a shelf.
Then, 2 books were taken off.
Now, there are 6 books on the shelf.
Q6.Write an equation to match the story.
First, there were 10 pebbles in my bucket.
Then, I dropped 2 pebbles.
Now, there are 8 pebbles in my bucket.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which picture could represent this story?
First, there were 7 cats on the wall.
Then, 3 cats jumped off the wall.
Now, there are 4 cats on the wall.
Q2.Which equation would represent this story?
Q3.What is the subtrahend in this problem?
Q4.Which 'First, then, now' story represents this bar model?
Q5.Match the story to the equation it represents.
First, there were 2 dogs. Then, 2 dogs left. Now, there are 0 dogs.
First, there were 9 cats. Then, 1 cat left. Now, there are 8 cats.
First, there were 6 pigs. Then, 3 pigs left. Now, there are 3 pigs.
Q6.Which of these equations has been shown on this number line?
To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Interpret and represent subtraction stories, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Interpret and represent subtraction stories, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 maths lessons from the Additive structures: addition and subtraction unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.