Reveal Math Kindergarten, Unit 8: Understand Subtraction
In this unit, your child learns what it means to subtract: taking some away and finding how many are left. They show subtraction with objects, fingers, and drawings; write equations like 5 - 2 = 3; and solve take-away story problems within 10. It follows the addition unit and leads into more practice with both adding and subtracting.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 8?
- Showing subtraction by taking objects away or crossing out drawings, and writing equations such as 7 - 3 = 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, like 9 ducks with 4 swimming off, by acting out or drawing them. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 10
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
- Build a tower of 8 large blocks, then knock 3 off the top. Ask how many are still standing, and write 8 - 3 = 5 together.
- Tell a take-away story with stuffed animals: 6 are at a sleepover and 2 go home. Let your child act it out and say how many are left.
- Have your child draw 7 balloons, then cross out 2 that pop. Count the balloons that are left together, and say the equation 7 - 2 = 5.
Where kids can get stuck
- Drawing 7 balloons and then 2 more balloons, instead of crossing out 2 of the 7.
- Adding the numbers in a take-away story, even when it says some animals went home.
- Saying how many went away, instead of how many are left, when asked how many remain.
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.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with subtraction 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 Reveal Math Kindergarten Unit 8 cover?
Reveal Math Kindergarten Unit 8 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.