Subtraction
Subtraction card game
This game is played using a deck of cards, (removing the picture cards first). In turns, each player picks two cards and subtracts the smallest numbers from the largest and says the answer. If they get the answer right, they keep the cards; if not, they have to put them back at the bottom of pile. The winner is the person with the most cards at the end. For older children, this activity could be extended for negative numbers, such as, 6-8=-2.
Number line game
A number line is a useful resource to help your child to count back from a given number by placing their finger on the starting number and, as they count back, moving their finger down the number line until they reach the answer. Turn the use of number lines into a game by placing a counter at the end of the line, taking it in turns to roll a die and moving backwards by the number rolled. If a player lands on the same number as a another, they go back to the end. The first player to pass 0 wins. Alternatively, the first player to land on 0 wins, if the player passes 0, they must go back to the end.
Subtraction bowling
Set up bowling pins (you could use bottles or paper cups) and use a ball to knock them down. Record the subtraction equations to show what is left standing, for example, 10 pins - 4 pins = 6 pins. Similar to a regular game of ten pin bowling, you can create score cards to see who can knock down the most pins.
Playing Snap or Memory
Create your own game of Snap or Memory by making pairs of cards that match, for example, write 9-2 on one card and 7 on a separate card; ‘29-12’ and ‘17’; ‘14-3’ and ‘11’; and so on. Use these cards to play Snap, Memory or simply ask your child to match up the subtraction cards with their corresponding answer card. You could time your child and see how quickly they can match them up and then repeat to see if they can beat their personal best.
Dartboard subtraction
Race to reach 0. Choose a starting number. Each player takes it in turn to throw darts at the dartboard and subtracting their hits from the starting number, recording each subtraction equation on paper, for example, 180-20=160. First person to reach 0 wins.
Playing shop - giving change
Children love to play shop. Create a small shop by adding price tags (or sticky notes) to household items. You can visit your child’s shop to buy some items using real or fake money. By not giving the exact amount, your child will have to work out how much change they have to give you.