To set the stage for learning, choose a counting back book to read from the Counting Books resource sheet, such as Ten Sly Piranhas, Ten Little Ladybugs, or Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree. If no books are available, tell a story about counting back such as the following:
There were eight candies on a plate. Zack took one of them; then Yula took one; then Xavier took one, and Wilma took one, and so forth.
As the students listen to the story, have them model each number from the story with counters, links, or candies, then write the numeral and number word for each. Watching their responses will help you assess the students’ current level of understanding.
Next give each child 10‑12 links. Hold up a number and ask the children to make a chain with that many links, lay it flat on the desk and then record the number of links on their slates. Then ask them to add one link and record the addition they have just modeled using the equation (horizontal) format. Now show the same starting number and ask the children to make a chain with that many links. Have students record that number as before but this time to count away one link and then record the subtraction they have just modeled using the horizontal format.
Now ask the students to build a chain of six links and hold the chain vertically so that it hangs down. Lead them in singing Six Little Ducks, from the Song Lyrics resource sheet, as they remove the links one at a time. Ask them to record each subtraction in vertical format.
When the children are ready, ask them to share one of their differences and the counting process that was used to get it. Summarize how students can count back to subtract one.
