Substraction with Small Number Rods

Age
3-6

Materials

 * 1) Two sets of Small Number Rods.
 * 2) Plain squared paper and a pencil.
 * 3) Subtraction Sign Card (optional).

Presentation

 * 1) Directress invites the child to build two stairs with the number rods.
 * 2) The Directress selects a rod from the right stair, says a 4 rod.
 * 3) Then she asks the child to select a rod shorter than 4 rod from the left stair.
 * 4) The child selects 2 rod and places it besides 4 rod.
 * 5) The Directress invites the child to count together, "1, 2, 3, ... 6.
 * 6) Four and two makes 6. Let's take away 2 (Directress removes 2 rod). How many left? 1, 2, 3, 4. (count). 6 takes away 2 equals 4"
 * 7) Directress then shows the child how to record the statement on plain squared paper, i.e. 6-4=2.
 * 8) Directress may go on with the presentation by showing a few more examples.

Control Of Error
The rods themselves act as Control of Error because the quantities are fixed.

Purpose

 * Introduce the child to Subtraction situations with answer (differences) under 10.
 * Show the child how to record subtraction questions with answers under 10.

Variation
You may use only 1 set of Rods. For example: 6-4=2. Select 6 rod. Count from the right end 1, 2, 3, 4 and cover those with your fingers. The answer is those left uncovered, which are 2.