Ever have a student who knows the addition doubles facts inside out but hasn’t transferred that knowledge to subtraction? Well, here’s a free resource to help them make that connection.
Popcorn Photo by etorres69
There are two prerequisites for mastering the subtraction doubles facts. First, students need to be fluent with the addition doubles facts. (Keep scrolling for help with this.) Secondly, they need to understand the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction.
As we all know, most students find learning subtraction facts more difficult than addition. The strategy for learning the subtraction doubles facts is to “think addition”. So, what’s the problem?
While pondering this, it struck me that the dilemma is these students simply don’t recognize the subtraction doubles facts for what they are.
One way to develop this recognition is more work with the parts and the whole. These kiddos easily recognize the parts and then recall the whole for addition. Why not work on deriving the parts from the whole?
Popping Doubles for Subtraction is a free resource for first and second-grade math. This resource is for students who’ve mastered the prerequisites but aren’t making the connection. The focus is on matching the parts to the whole to increase familiarity with the subtraction doubles. Use it during small group instruction or as an independent math center.
There are two versions, each in color and black/ white. Students match the whole and the parts for each double and place them on a popcorn mat, for the first open-ended version. The whole is given and students match the parts in the second version.
How to Prepare Popping Doubles for Subtraction
- Choose to print in color or black/ white.
- Pick the mat that is open-ended or the ones with the whole given.
- For the open-ended mat, decide if you want your students to use one mat (place the matches, record, and clear) or multiple mats.
- Print the mats and the popcorn numbers (parts). Use card stock and laminate for durability. Cut each page of mats in half. The popcorn numbers can be cut around the outlines or as rectangles.
- For the open-ended mats, print the bucket number ovals (wholes). Cut as ovals.
- Print copies of the recording sheet, if using.
How to Use This Subtraction Fact Resource
Seriously, this is a simple matching activity! Give your students the mats and the numbers. Tell them to find the parts that match the whole to create subtraction doubles facts. Have them record the corresponding equations. They can write these on plain paper, whiteboards, or the optional recording sheet. The recording sheet has spaces to write both the addition equation and the related subtraction one.
Add a little fun! Use a popcorn box or bag to store the number cards. Go ahead and pop some popcorn, too!
Looking for a way to provide concrete and visual support for learning the addition doubles facts with sums to 20? Recently, I updated my Dazzling Doubles resource, designed for students who need more than a rap to develop fluency with these facts. Click on the highlighted words or the photo to check out Dazzling Doubles, available for purchase in my TpT store.
While you’re there, download my Addition Fact Strategy- Doubles Free Sample!
Need more ideas to teach and practice subtraction fact mental strategies?
Read more blog posts.
- 1 Winning Way to Introduce the Count Down Strategy
- How to Start Teaching Subtract All and Subtract None
- Toss It! How to Actively Engage Your Students
- Subtraction is NOT Just Take Away
Purchase a Subtraction Fact Mental Strategy resource.
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Be sure to leave a comment sharing ways you have discovered to help students “think addition” to subtract!
thank you
You’re welcome!
These are very handy ! Thank you for your generosity.
You’re welcome, Christine! I’m delighted you found these helpful.