Subtraction can be tricky for students. I like to teach my students the counting back strategy because it helps them solve any subtraction math fact with ease. It takes out the fear of subtraction with students. Plus as students continue to practice with the counting back strategy, they eventually commit the facts to memory.
Learn how to best teach the counting back strategy here in this blog post.
Today I thought I would share how to teach the counting back strategy so students understand.
Counting Back Strategy
With the counting back strategy for subtraction, I like to first model with counting blocks. For example, if the equation was 11-4 I would lay out 11 counting blocks. Then I would take away blocks as I count back. 11…10…9…8…7…
These task cards are a great way for students to practice the counting back strategy.
Next I show students how they can use their fingers to quickly do this. They “punch” 11 and then count back 4. As they count back they put up a finger so they know how many they need to go. Once they get to 7 and have 4 fingers up, they know the answer is seven.
I like to model this for students and have them do it with me. I even have a counting back strategy anchor chart that helps me teach this strategy.
Using an anchor chart helps students be successful with the counting back strategy for subtraction.
This is great because students can reference it anytime they need. This is especially great for when students do guided practice activities. Find this anchor chart here.
Counting Back Strategy Activities
After teaching and modeling this strategy, it’s important to give students counting back strategy activities. These activities help students master the strategy. This way whenever they come to a subtraction fact they don’t know, they can figure it out.
I first start out by giving my students a scoot activity. I place task cards around the room and give each student a recording sheet. I have them work with partners and display the anchor chart. Doing both these things gives students the support they need. While students complete the activity, I will walk around and help guide and monitor students.
Get students lots of practice with these counting back strategy activities.
Then I like to give students independent practice. To do this I give students a worksheet. They complete this by themselves. As they complete them, they come to me for a “check.” This allows me to see if students need more practice activities.
If I see students do need more practice, I will set out task cards or different worksheets as center activities.
When students master the counting back strategy for subtraction, it helps them be able to solve any subtraction fact.
At the end of the week, I have students complete a quick exit ticket. This is a quick assessment tool to see if students truly have mastered this strategy. Find the task cards, worksheets, and exit tickets I use in my classroom here.
In our regular math lessons as subtraction math facts come up, I’ll have students count back with me to find the answer. This way the strategy is continually used by students. After figuring out the same math facts with it over and over again, students will commit the facts to memory. They will be on their way to math fact fluency.
Learn more about addition and subtraction strategies in this blog post: Math Fact Strategies That Work
Did you need more guidance when it comes to getting your students to math fact fluency? Download my free workbook for 1st and 2nd grade teachers here.
