How to teach subtraction

Kindergarten to Grade 4

Subtraction is taking one amount away from another, or finding the difference between two amounts. It is the inverse of addition.

How to teach it

1. Model 'taking away' with objects, then 'finding the difference' by comparing two groups.
2. Link every subtraction fact to an addition fact (fact families).
3. Use a number line to count back.
4. Introduce regrouping (borrowing) only after single-digit facts are secure.

Common mistakes

• Subtracting the smaller digit from the larger in each column regardless of position.
• Struggling to borrow across a zero.
• Confusing 'take away' with 'difference'.