Write About Math in First Grade: Subtraction Within 20

Write About Math in First Grade: Subtraction Within 20

Hey, y'all! We've been working on metacognition a lot in our classroom this year. Mostly because this year's group really wants to just blurt out any number they can think of regardless of the reasonableness of the solution, or they want someone to hand them the answer. Neither of which flies with me. So, now we're Writing About Math with these no-prep subtraction within 20 word problems. 

Getting students to think about what they're doing is the first step in recognizing mistakes. I can't tell you how many times I've asked, "Does that make sense?" this year. And they look at me like they really don't know. So, now I make them work step-by-step through their thinking in order to solve their math problems. 

We start out by reading the math problem together and the first question I ask is, "What are we trying to find out?" Then, "How do you know?" After that discussion, we work together to make a plan of action for solving. Initially, we do this whole group so that we can hear each other's ideas. After awhile, we read the question together but students work in partners or small groups to do the heavy lifting. As an assessment, after lots of practice, students will do this on their own. 

This set of word problems includes subtraction within 10, subtraction within 20, "how many more" problems, subtracting 2 and 3 numbers within 20, and open-ended questions. With 40 different prompts, you'll have everything you need to monitor your students' thought processes while doing simple subtraction. 

The full subtraction within 20 resource can be found in my TPT store here. It will be part of a growing bundle of math prompts designed to take you through an entire school year. Be sure to follow me on TPT  because more will be coming shortly. 

I hope this helps with your math block and getting students to slow down and think about what they're doing. Have a wonderful week and I'll talk to you soon. 

Stay cozy,