articlesforchristians

STEP 1

• Children separate a larger group of up to 10 objects into two smaller groups.
• Repeatedly separate a group of objects into smaller groups per the table below. For example, 1 pencil from 3 pencils leaves 2 pencils, 4 coins from 5 coins leaves 1 coin, and 9 cars from 10 cars leaves 1 car, etc.
• When children are ready, have them separate the object groups themselves.
• Children must perfectly master the operations listed in the table before proceeding to the next phase of the lesson.

STEP 2

• Children separate groups of objects they can’t see, but can imagine (bears, mountains, trees).
• Using the table above as a guide, ask children to call out the answer to questions such as, ‘How many are one shoe from three shoes?’ and ‘How many are nine frogs from ten frogs?’
• Give numerous exercises on each number, with constant reviews, until children can recite each operation in the table with great accuracy and rapidity.

STEP 3

• In this phase, do not mention objects. Children subtract numbers directly.
• Using the table above as a guide, ask children to call out the answer to questions such as, ‘How many are one from two?’ and ‘How many are five from six?’
• Give numerous exercises on each number, with constant reviews, until children can perform each operation with great accuracy and rapidity.

STEP 4

• Direct children to practice writing and reciting the subtraction problems listed in the table above. For example, they would write and then recite:
• 1 from 10 leaves 9
• 10 minus 1 is 9
• 10 – 1 = 9
• Repeat for each combination in the table until the children master the tasks.

STEP 5

STEP 6

• Assess mastery by reading aloud the word problems below and having the children mentally compute and recite the solutions. If children have difficulties, repeat the prior phases and then reassess.