1st Grade Math: Subtraction Word Problems Games

In subtraction word problems, kids need to apply real-life situations in learning the right technique. Rather than simple computation using paper, kids should be motivated to use various strategies and problem-solving techniques to make sense of the problem.

Let us learn how to improvise on the ground methodologies to help them solve subtraction word problems using personalized learning through online educational games.

How to Solve Subtraction Word Problems?

Subtraction word problems are real-world scenarios where there is a loss of something as a result of subtracting a smaller number from a bigger number.

Identifying subtraction word problems using single and multi-step techniques will equip kids with problem-solving experiences and comprehend specific words and phrases to determine what mathematical operations are needed.

Kids need to be familiar with terms like change, decreased, difference, fewer, gave away, how many more…?, how many less…?, left, less, less than, minus, shorter than, smaller than, take away, etc.

For example, kids face a subtraction word problem that says:

Q – John has 18 pencils, and he gives away 9 to Peter. How many are left?

How should we help them solve the word problem?

Step 1 – It’s a real-life scenario, so the 1st grader must understand the keywords like give away and how many are left.

Step 2 – Concentrating on the words will help kids understand that he needs to deduct the number of pencils that have been given away.

Step 3 – They should draw verticals and pen down 18-9.

Step 4 – They will get the answer 9 even if the kids use mental maths to solve such kinds of questions.

Online curriculum-based subtraction word problems games will help them brush up their techniques, problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning logic.

Holistic Subtraction Word Problem Games With Academic Vocabulary

Here are the four best educational online games:

1. Represent ‘Take Apart’ Scenarios

1st graders will work with 'take apart' situations to develop their understanding of each story situation and represent the same using expressive mathematical equations.

2. Change Unknown Scenarios

1st graders will apply subtraction to real-world situations by working on unknown scenarios. They can use the given model to get to the result, and they simply have to mark the correct option to complete the task.

3. Word Problems to Subtract Multiples of 10

This game is logically crafted for your kids to gain fluency in subtraction by strengthening their problem-solving ability, giving them a set of taking apart scenarios, and getting to the result.

4. Solve Difference Unknown Scenarios

1st graders will be empowered to strengthen their problem-solving ability by working with subtraction word problems using a set of "difference unknown" scenarios and finding the final answer.

Are kids Unable to Break the Misconception on Solving Word Problems?

Kids have been struggling profusely with subtraction word problems for what seems like forever. They are unable to make sense of the keywords used like ‘finding the difference,’ ‘lesser than, ‘ how many are left’ etc., which leads to a breakdown in mathematical reasoning. They might have issues establishing a relationship of numbers, differentiating between them, using academic vocab, and difficulty comprehending models and strategies.

Help Kids Using Common Core Standards 

As parents, you must encourage your kids to practically work on basic subtraction concepts before transitioning to word-based problems. You must use online gaming and interactive techniques to brush up their academic vocabulary and teach them the basic verbiage on such problems. Promote your kids to learn through SplashLearn games and visually augment their practicality and hands-on usage of subtraction word problems. 

Presenting subtraction word problems to kids in an in-depth organized fashion is the need of the hour. SplashLearn aims to help your kids indulge in personalized learning following core standards to visually enhance their mathematical operational skills.