Finding the Difference: Count Back teaches a simple mental strategy for subtraction. Students put the bigger number in their head, put the smaller number on their fingers, and count back to find the difference between them.
Best for: Years 1 to 2
How to play
Read the two numbers.
Put the bigger number in your head.
Count back on your fingers by the smaller number.
Type the difference and check your answer.
Teaching tips
Model the strategy aloud first: say the big number, then count back as you fold down fingers.
Use a number line to show what the difference looks like.