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Parent guide · Kindergarten Math · Unit 5

Lesson 5.2 The − Sign

Written for the parent. Read the Say this lines aloud as they are, or in your own words. Answers for you are marked Listen for.

At a glance

Time
5 sessions of 15–20 minutes
Goal
Read and write subtraction sentences.
You need
  • Counters (dried beans, buttons or pebbles)
  • A ten-frame (printables pack)
  • A few cups
  • Pencil and crayons
Print
Worksheet A · Worksheet B · the lesson page

Steps

  1. Do this: Ask these out loud. Your child answers out loud; no paper needed.

    • Ask: “3 − 2” Listen for: 1
    • Ask: “2 − 1” Listen for: 1
    • Ask: “5 − 1” Listen for: 4
    • Ask: “5 − 4” Listen for: 1
    • Ask: “6 − 3” Listen for: 3

  2. Say this: “The minus sign means take away. 7 − 2 = 5 is read ‘seven minus two equals five.’”

    Say this: “The biggest number comes first in a take-away sentence.”

    Say this: “Minus (−): take away; subtract.”

  3. Show: 9 − 5 = ___

    Say this: “9 − 5 = 4”

    Say this: “Check: 4 + 5 = 9”

    Answer: 4

    Show: Find the missing number: 5 − ___ = 5

    Say this: “Think addition: 5 + ___ = 5”

    Say this: “5 − 5 = 0”

    Answer: 0

  4. Do this: Your child does these with you. Let them try first; help only after a real try.

    Ask: 3 − 2 = ___

    Listen for: 1

    If stuck: Start at 3 and count back 2: 2, 1.

    Ask: 2 − 1 = ___

    Listen for: 1

    If stuck: Start at 2 and count back 1: 1.

    Ask: 4 − 0 = ___

    Listen for: 4

    If stuck: 4 − 0 = 4

    7 more practice items on the lesson page, and on Worksheet A and Worksheet B.

    • Putting the smaller number first.

  6. Put up to 10 counters under a cup. Take some out and show them. Your child says how many are still hiding, then checks.

  7. Say this: “Tell me what you learned today. Show me with your hands or the counters if you like.”

    Listen for: Read and write subtraction sentences.

  8. Count back from 10 to 0 every day, then from 20 to 10.

Spread over the week

5 sessions of 15–20 minutes. Stop while it is still going well.

  1. Session 1. Warm-up, then teach the new idea (steps 1 and 2).
  2. Session 2. Warm-up again, then show how with the examples.
  3. Session 3. Practice together, then play the game.
  4. Session 4. More practice on the worksheet, and the daily habit.
  5. Session 5. Quick check: narration and a few practice items. Move on when it is mostly right.