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Subtraction facts to 20

The Ministry is migrating nzmaths content to Tāhurangi.           
Relevant and up-to-date teaching resources are being moved to Tāhūrangi (tahurangi.education.govt.nz). 
When all identified resources have been successfully moved, this website will close. We expect this to be in June 2024. 
e-ako maths, e-ako Pāngarau, and e-ako PLD 360 will continue to be available. 

For more information visit https://tahurangi.education.govt.nz/updates-to-nzmaths

Purpose:

To help your child to instantly recall their subtraction facts to 20.

What you need:

What to do:

Make the two sets of number cards. You can print these or make your own.

Make a pile for each set of cards. Face them down.

Ask your child to turn over the top card from the 11 – 20 pile. For example 14.

Turn over the top card from the 1-10 pile. For example 5. 

Ask your child to subtract that number from the first number. 14 - 5 = 9

The aim is to work it out quickly - to practice instant recall.

If you child answers quickly and correctly give them the 1-10 card. If not put it back into the pile. 

The activity finishes when your child has collected all of the 1-10 cards. 

What to expect your child to do:

To instantly recall the addition facts up to 20.

Variations :

  • Two players can play to see who can give the answer first.
  • Use a timer. If a player does not give the correct answer quickly, the other player can answer. 
  • Choose the same number between 11-10 to focus on. 

He Kupu Māori:

subtract, take away tango (-hia)
choose kōwhiri (-a)

Download a file of this activity:

PDF (197KB)