K-5 friendly lesson
Try one idea, then jump into the activity.These lessons are designed to feel short, friendly, and easy to follow.

Subtract with Cubes - Up to 10

šŸ’„ Let's break things apart! Use cubes to show how numbers shrink when we subtract.

Lesson 4

Concept

Subtraction means "taking away". We can build a cube tower to show the whole number, and then physically break it apart to subtract! šŸŽÆ **How to Subtract with Cubes:** **Example: 8 - 3 = ?** 1. **Build the Start Number:** Build a tower of 8 cubes. This is your total amount. 🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦 2. **Take Away:** Take 3 cubes off the end of your tower. 3. **Count the Leftovers:** You now have 5 cubes left in your tower. 🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦 4. **Answer:** 8 - 3 = 5

Try it

Let's break some towers! **Instructions:** Imagine the cube tower. Subtract the cubes to find what's left. **Problem 1:** You build a tower of 9 cubes. A monster knocks off 4 cubes. How many are left? * Imagine the tower: 9 blocks * Take away: 4 blocks * Remaining: ___ **Problem 2:** Start with 6 cubes. Take away 6 cubes. * 6 - 6 = ___ **Problem 3:** Start with 10 cubes. Take away 2 cubes. * 10 - 2 = ___ **Problem 4:** Start with 7 cubes. Take away 0 cubes. * 7 - 0 = ___