Help Me Learn Subtraction

PreS-K–A simple rhyming game models a way for adults to teach children that subtraction is a taking-away function. The author prepared this text in direct response to the kindergarten and first grade Common Core Standard of Operations and Algebraic Thinking. These appealing pages are full of brightly colored photographs filled with small toys and animals that children will want to pluck right off the pages. Objects such as finger puppets, rubber duckies, and pipe-cleaner dogs are used as counters. While the objects are sometimes too small to allow for large group viewing, the solid color backgrounds will help youngsters focus on the task at hand. Accompanying text includes simple subtraction equation lines corresponding to the pictured groupings. Two little clothespin people in the right hand corners comment and respond to the items on the pages from time to time.  A letter to parents and teachers gives further ideas for using the same approach using other everyday objects and situations. Erlene Bishop Killeen