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I.1 Subtraction up to 10 with penguins

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What Is Subtraction?

Subtraction means taking something away from a group. It shows how many are left after something is removed. Children learn that numbers get smaller when items go away.

Example:
  • 6 penguins. Take away 2 → 4 penguins remain.
  • 4 penguins. Take away 1 → 3 penguins are left.
Note

Use penguin toys or pictures to help children see the group change as items are removed.

Subtraction Using Pictures

Penguin pictures help children visualize subtraction. Seeing what is taken away builds a concrete understanding of the math.

Try This:
  • Show 5 penguins. Cross out 2 → Count what's left: 3.
  • Draw 7 penguins. Erase 3 → Count what’s left: 4.
Note

Children can point to or cross out pictures of penguins to connect subtraction to real actions.

Using Penguins for Subtraction

Pretend play with penguin figures can help children act out subtraction. Moving penguins away makes subtraction hands-on and fun.

Example:
  • Place 6 penguins on the table. Slide 2 away → 4 penguins remain.
  • Start with 3 penguins. Remove 1 → 2 penguins are left.
Note

Model subtraction using toys children already love. Add playful sounds or motions to make it engaging.

Using Fingers to Subtract

Fingers help children see subtraction in action. They can hold up a number and lower fingers to subtract, connecting counting to movement.

Try This:
  • Hold up 5 fingers. Lower 2 → Count remaining fingers: 3.
  • Show 4 fingers. Lower 1 → What's up? 3.
Note

Encourage children to count each finger as they lower it. This builds number sense and one-to-one matching.

Counting Backward

Counting back helps children subtract by starting at a number and counting backward. This reinforces number order and subtraction fluency.

Try This:
  • Start at 7, count back 2 → 6, 5 → 5.
  • Start at 9, count back 4 → 8, 7, 6, 5 → 5.
Note

Have children say each number out loud as they count back. Use fingers or steps to help with tracking.

Using Real Objects

Hands-on tools like counters, crayons, or penguin cutouts let children physically remove items to subtract. This creates strong connections to quantity.

Example:
  • Start with 8 crayons. Take away 3 → Count: 5 left.
  • Place 6 toy penguins. Remove 2 → 4 penguins remain.
Note

Let children move each object as they subtract. Touching helps them stay focused and understand the change in quantity.

Subtraction Stories

Story problems use real-life ideas to make subtraction meaningful. When children imagine the situation, they understand the math more deeply.

Example:
  • “5 penguins are playing. 2 slide away. How many are still there?” → 3
  • “There are 4 fish. 1 swims away. How many are left?” → 3
Note

Let children use penguin figures or draw pictures to act out the story. They learn better when stories feel real.

Understanding Zero

Zero means there is nothing or none left. Learning what zero means helps children understand the end of subtraction.

Example:
  • 2 penguins - 2 penguins = 0
  • 3 penguins - 0 penguins = 3
Note

Use words like “none left” or “empty” to help explain what zero means in everyday situations.

Practice Makes Progress

Children build fluency when they practice subtraction often. Repeating facts with games and fun tools helps them remember faster and solve with confidence.

Practice Ideas:
  • “There are 6 penguins. 3 dive underwater. How many do you see?” → 3
  • “You have 4 crackers. You eat 2. How many are left?” → 2
Note

Use flashcards, songs, or play-based activities with penguins to keep repetition fun and meaningful.

Tips for Parents and Teachers

  • Use penguin visuals, toys, or finger puppets for engaging subtraction play.
  • Start small with numbers 0–5, then grow to 10 as comfort builds.
  • Use clear language like “How many are gone?” or “What’s left?”
  • Celebrate effort and creativity, not just correct answers.
Helpful Tips:
  • Play “Penguin Slide Away” with toys sliding out of sight.
  • Draw and cross out penguins on paper or whiteboards.
  • Link subtraction to everyday events like snack time or toy cleanup.
Note

Make subtraction part of daily routines. The more children play with numbers, the more confident they become.

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