Bowling for Subtraction

Students will go virtual bowling to understand the mechanics of subtraction and taking objects away. One strategy for subtraction is to move objects away and count the difference. Tell students you went bowling one weekend and then create a story with the flipchart. Students will learn vocabulary for subtraction and practice writing the number sentence expressed in the simulated bowling scenario. Students can roll a dice (two) or pull sticks with numbers on it to decide how many bowling pins get "knocked down". Students can move the bowling pins off to the side and count how many are left. Take this to independent practice. I gave my students a bowling alley for a center and a dry erase template that helps students calculate on their own.

Suggestions: Use "I do, We do, You do" Model that you are going to draw a stick with a number to decide how many pins are going to be "knocked over". Move the pins, count how many are left. Students can help with the next one.