If you’re a teacher looking for activities to improve your students’ subtraction skills, teaching them how to subtract doubles is a great way to start. This foundational skill helps build understanding of subtraction principles, as well as mental math skills and fluency. Here are some fun and engaging activities to help your students master double subtraction:
1. Double Subtraction Flashcards
One classic way to practice double subtraction is to use flashcards. Print out a set of double subtraction cards for each student, as well as an answer key. Have students take turns flipping up a card and answering the equation without looking at the answer key. For each correct answer, they can tally a point. This game can be played in teams or individually.
2. Double Subtraction Bingo:
Another fun way to practice double subtraction is with a bingo game. Create bingo cards with double subtraction equations, and then call out the answers. Students can then search for the equation on their card and mark it off. The first to fill their card wins!
3. Double Subtraction War:
This classic card game can be used to reinforce double subtraction skills. Have students deal out a deck of cards, excluding face cards. Students then turn over two cards at a time and subtract them. The person with the lowest answer wins the cards. Whoever has the most cards at the end of the game wins!
4. Double Subtraction Challenge:
Create a worksheet of double subtraction equations from 10-20. Give students a set amount of time to complete the worksheet, and have them record their time on the bottom of the page. Repeat this challenge once a week, tracking students’ progress. Students enjoy trying to beat their personal best time!
5. Double Subtraction Balloon Pop:
Write double subtraction equations on small slips of paper, and stuff them into balloons. Blow up the balloons and have students take turns popping a balloon and solving the equation. This game works well with teams or individuals.
These activities are a great way to help your students develop mastery of double subtraction. With consistent practice and a range of engaging activities, your students will soon be solving double subtraction equations with ease!
