Into Math Kindergarten, Unit 5: Subtraction Concepts
In this unit, your child learns what subtracting means: taking some away and finding how many are left. They show subtraction with objects, fingers, and drawings; solve take-away story problems within 10; and begin to know small differences quickly. It builds on addition from the last unit and comes before the teen numbers and counting to 100.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 5?
- Showing subtraction by taking away toys or crossing out pictures, and writing equations such as 6 - 2 = 4. Learn more about showing addition in many ways: Showing addition in many ways · Learn more about showing subtraction in many ways
- Solving take-away story problems within 10 by acting them out or drawing what happens. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 10
- Subtracting within 5 quickly, such as knowing 5 - 1 = 4 and 4 - 2 = 2 without counting. Learn more about adding fluently within 5: Adding fluently within 5 · Learn more about subtracting fluently within 5
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Start at 7 and hop back 2. Where do you land?
- 2
- 9
- 5
How you can help
- Put 8 apple slices you cut ahead of time on a plate. Eat 3 together, then ask how many are left and have your child count to check.
- Act out a take-away story with stuffed animals: 5 are on the couch and 2 hop off. How many are still there? Then let your child tell you a story.
- Hold up 5 fingers, fold down 1 or 2, and see if your child can say how many are still up without counting them.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding both numbers in a story, even when it says some of the animals hopped away.
- Answering with the number taken away instead of the number left, when asked how many remain.
- Reading the minus sign as plus, and adding the two numbers instead of taking away.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- subtract
- To take some away and find how many are left.
- take away
- To remove some things from a group.
- minus
- The sign - that means subtract, or take away.
- left
- The number still there after some are taken away.
- equal sign
- The sign = that means both sides are the same amount.
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign, like 3 + 2 = 5.
- difference
- The answer when you subtract one number from another.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with taking away within 10?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Into Math Kindergarten Unit 5 cover?
Into Math Kindergarten Unit 5 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.