When it comes to 2 digit subtraction, I like to teach students the meaning behind why we do the things that we do. It’s not just rote memorization of steps. By teaching the meaning behind it, students truly understand if they need to regroup on not by quickly looking at the equations. They know what it means to regroup. I have a 2 digit subtraction worksheet that helps students learn the meaning behind regrouping and that helps build their number sense.

I’ve learned that students find success with 2-digit addition and subtraction strategies when you teach them the mental math skills involved and emphasize common mistakes. I have a FREE guide that outlines those for each 2-digit strategy. Grab your copy here: The Ultimate Teaching Guide for 2-Digit Addition & Subtraction Strategies

But before I talk about that, I want to share 7 reasons why I think teaching regrouping in this way is so important.

 

Why Teach 2 Digit Subtraction Regrouping

 

Conceptual Understanding: Teaching students the number sense behind regrouping in 2-digit subtraction helps them develop a deep conceptual understanding of mathematical operations. Instead of blindly following rote rules, students grasp the underlying principles and reasoning behind regrouping.

 

Flexibility and Problem-Solving Skills: By understanding the number sense behind regrouping, students become more flexible problem solvers. They can apply their knowledge to various subtraction scenarios, adjusting their strategies based on the numbers involved. This flexibility enhances their problem-solving skills and prepares them for real-life situations where mathematical reasoning is essential.

 

Mental Math Abilities: Developing number sense in 2-digit subtraction allows students to mentally calculate and estimate results. They can break down larger numbers into more manageable components and perform mental calculations, leading to quicker and more efficient problem-solving. I have some students that can regroup in their head as they subtract. They don’t have to write anything down and this really impresses me.

 

Critical Thinking: Teaching the number sense behind regrouping encourages critical thinking skills. Students are encouraged to analyze the problem, consider multiple strategies, and make informed decisions about when and how to apply regrouping. This fosters logical reasoning and enhances their overall mathematical thinking.

 

Transferable Skills: Understanding the number sense behind regrouping in 2-digit subtraction equips students with transferable skills. They can apply this knowledge to other mathematical concepts, such as multiplication, division, and even higher-level algebraic equations. This foundation sets them up for success in future math learning.

 

Real-World Connections: When students comprehend the number sense behind regrouping, they can make connections to real-world situations. They can apply their understanding to practical scenarios, such as managing finances, analyzing data, or solving everyday problems that involve numbers. This bridges the gap between abstract math concepts and their relevance in the real world.

 

Teaching students the number sense behind regrouping in 2-digit subtraction is crucial for their overall mathematical development. It fosters conceptual understanding, flexible problem-solving skills, mental math abilities, critical thinking, transferable skills, and real-world connections.. By emphasizing number sense, we empower students to become confident, adaptable, and proficient mathematicians.

 

Now let’s talk about the 2 digit subtraction worksheet that allows me to do this.

 

2 Digit Subtraction Worksheet

 

For students to be successful with the worksheets, I first introduce regrouping by showing my students a 2 digit subtraction problem with base ten blocks. If the equation was 52-16, I lay out 5 ten rods and 2 one blocks. Since we are subtracting I try to take away 6 ones… But there are only two. I ask my students how many ones are in a ten rod. Then say 10. So I show them how to exchange or regroup a ten rod into ten ones. Now we have enough to take away the 6 ones. Then we took away 1 ten rod, so that we subtracted 16 all together.

I’ll show a couple more examples to my students asking more questions. They soon guide me what to do. I am sure to show equations where regrouping is needed and where it is not.

 

Then I tell students that we can actually draw pictures of tens rods and one blocks to help us solve 2 digit subtraction problems. I draw on the whiteboard a “t chart” and label one column tens and the other one ones. Then I give my students an equation and I draw the tens and ones blocks for the first number by drawing lines and dots. After showing my students a couple examples of this, they are ready to draw pictures to help them solve the math equations.

 

I give them a worksheet that has the tens and ones chart for them. I project the same worksheet on the board. We draw the pictures together, and check if we need to regroup. When regrouping is needed, we circle a tens rod and draw an arrow to the ones. Then we draw out ten ones. After that,  we can cross out the ones and tens needed to subtract.

 

We do a few together and then I let my students try a couple on their own. I walk around and guide students where needed. Then we might do a couple more together where I can address any misconceptions I noticed when I was walking around helping students.

 

Next, I help students see patterns from drawing the pictures and regrouping. We line up the numbers and solve without drawing the pictures. Soon they can subtract 2 digit subtraction equations fluently. Find these 2 digit subtraction worksheets that I use in my classroom here.

 

Find this resource in a discounted bundle here.

 

Learn more about different 2 digit subtraction strategies and how to teach them to your students in this blog post here: How to Teach Those Tricky 2 Digit Subtraction Strategies

 

2 Digit Subtraction Worksheets with Regrouping

 

Students need practice with regrouping in order to remember how to solve problems in this way. One way I give my students practice with this in a fun way is through math crafts and color by number worksheets.

Math crafts have students solve equations on the pieces of the craft. They cut out the pieces and glue it together to make a fun craft. I do a math craft monthly with my students. We make a spider for October, a Christmas tree for December, a snowflake for January, a Heart Wreath for February, ect. Find the math crafts I use in my classroom in a money-saving bundle here.

 

Learn more about incorporating art with math in this blog post here.

 

Many of the math craft resources also include color by number worksheets. Students solve the 2 digit subtract equations and then color the clipart according to the key. Find these worksheets here.

 

Students are always engaged while doing these crafts and worksheets. They love them!

 

I hope you have been able to see how these 2 digit subtraction worksheets can be helpful in your 2nd grade classroom. For more tips for teaching 2 digit subtraction, read this blog post here.

For students to find the most success with 2 digit subtraction, they need to be fluent with their basic math facts. Download my free workbook to help: The 7 Steps to Ensure Math Fact Fluency