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H.1 Subtraction up to 5 with dolphins

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What Is Subtraction?

Subtraction means taking away from a group. It helps children find how many are left after something is removed. It is a basic math skill that shows numbers becoming smaller.

Example:
  • 3 dolphins are swimming. 1 swims away → 2 dolphins are left.
  • 5 dolphins play together. 2 dive underwater → 3 dolphins remain.
Note

Start with small numbers and connect subtraction to actions children can see or act out with dolphins or pictures.

Using Dolphin Pictures

Visuals help children understand subtraction. Seeing dolphins disappear or being crossed out makes math more meaningful.

Try This:
  • Draw 4 dolphins. Cross out 2 → Count what's left: 2.
  • Show 5 dolphins. Erase 3 → How many remain? 2.
Note

Pointing, crossing out, or erasing dolphin images helps children see what subtraction looks like step by step.

Hands-On Subtraction with Dolphins

Using small dolphin toys or cutouts allows children to act out subtraction. Moving items away reinforces the idea of taking away.

Example:
  • Place 3 dolphin toys on the table. Remove 1 → 2 remain.
  • Start with 5 dolphin figures. Take away 4 → 1 is left.
Note

Let children move each dolphin. Pretend play builds understanding and keeps learning fun and interactive.

Using Fingers for Subtraction

Fingers are a built-in tool children can use anytime. Holding up and lowering fingers helps connect subtraction to real actions.

Try This:
  • Hold up 4 fingers. Lower 2 → Count what's left: 2.
  • Show 2 fingers. Lower 1 → 1 finger remains up.
Note

Encourage children to count each finger aloud. This helps build number sense and confidence with subtraction.

Counting Backward

Counting backward is a useful way to subtract. Children learn to start at one number and count down to find what’s left.

Try This:
  • Start at 4, count back 1 → 3.
  • Start at 5, count back 2 → 4, 3 → 3.
Note

Use fingers or a number line to help children track their counting. Saying each number out loud builds fluency.

Understanding Zero

Zero means none. Children learn that when all dolphins are taken away, there are zero left. This shows the end of subtraction.

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

Explain zero with words like “none,” “empty,” or “nothing left” to help children connect math to everyday meaning.

Subtraction Stories

Story problems turn math into real-life situations. Children imagine what is happening and solve subtraction problems with understanding.

Example:
  • “5 dolphins jump in the waves. 2 swim away. How many are left?” → 3
  • “4 dolphins play tag. 1 swims off. What’s left?” → 3
Note

Let children act out the stories with dolphins or drawings. Stories help them connect subtraction to their world.

Practice and Play

Practice helps children become confident. Repeating subtraction through games, songs, or hands-on play builds fluency and fun.

Practice Ideas:
  • “You see 4 dolphins. 1 dives down. How many are still there?” → 3
  • “5 toy dolphins are on the rug. You give away 2. What’s left?” → 3
Note

Try simple games like “Dolphins Dive Away” or use songs with subtraction steps to keep learning joyful.

Tips for Parents and Teachers

  • Use dolphin toys, cutouts, or drawings for active subtraction play.
  • Begin with numbers up to 5 before moving to larger numbers.
  • Use clear language: “How many are left?” or “What was taken away?”
  • Support creativity and curiosity during math time.
Helpful Tips:
  • Play “Dolphin Swim Away” with toys moving off a blue cloth ocean.
  • Draw and cross out dolphins on paper together.
  • Turn everyday routines like snack time into subtraction moments.
Note

Make subtraction a part of play and talk. Children learn best through fun, familiar experiences.

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