Wholes, Parts and Number Sentences

Math has focused on being able to write both subtraction and addition number sentences. Cubes and pictures helped us visualize what was happening whether we were putting things together or taking them apart.

The example of the left is an example. We started with our whole 8 and took away a part. Then rewrote another subtraction sentence using 8 and taking away the other part. Then putting both parts together to equal the whole. This is something you could practice at home! They could use paper, dry erase or just orally saying it! This is a difficult concept and we will revisit this throughout the year.

Some tips with subtraction: We always start with the WHOLE (that we can't change until we take away parts). The parts when put together equal the whole. Whole's can have different ways to make them (ie. 8= 4 +4 or 3+5 or 6+2 or 1+7).

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