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Subtraction Using Number Bonds

  • Writer: Our Special Story
    Our Special Story
  • 22 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Learning subtraction can be easier when children understand how numbers work together. One effective way to teach this concept is through number bonds.


Our Subtraction Using Number Bonds printable worksheets help children visually understand how numbers can be broken apart to find the missing part.


Before starting this activity, we recommend using our Addition Using Number Bonds printable first. This builds the foundational understanding of part–part–whole relationships, which is an important pre-requisite skill for subtraction.


Once children understand how numbers combine to make a whole, they will find it easier to understand how numbers can also be taken away or separated.


Teaching Objectives

Using number bonds to teach subtraction helps children develop:

  • Understanding of part–part–whole relationships

  • Early subtraction skills

  • Number sense within 10

  • Mental math strategies

  • Problem-solving skills

  • Attention and focus


These are essential foundational math skills for early primary school learning.

This printable is carefully designed with built-in prompts that are gradually faded throughout the worksheets.


At the beginning, children receive more visual and instructional support to help them understand the relationship between the whole number and its parts.


As they progress through the worksheets:

  • The prompts become less explicit

  • Children are encouraged to identify the missing part independently

  • The level of support gradually decreases


This gradual fading helps children move from guided practice to independent problem solving, which is an important strategy when teaching new skills.



How to Teach Subtraction Using Number Bonds


Here are simple steps you can follow when using these worksheets with your child.


1. Identify the Whole Number

Start by pointing to the whole number in the number bond.

Example: “The whole number is 10.”


2. Look at the Known Part

Next, identify the number that is already given.

Example: “One part is 6.”


3. Find the Missing Part

Ask your child:

“If the whole is 10 and one part is 6, what number is missing?”

Encourage them to think about what number completes the bond.


4. Connect It to Subtraction

Help your child connect the number bond to a subtraction sentence.

Example:

10 – 6 = 410 – 4 = 6


This helps children understand that subtraction is simply finding the missing part of the whole.





Teaching tips

If your child finds subtraction challenging, these strategies can help:

  • Use physical objects like blocks, toys, or snacks. Concrete materials help children visualise subtraction

  • Encourage thinking aloud to strengthen math reasoning and confidence (For example: “I know 6 and 4 make 10, so the missing number is 4)

  • Use everyday situations to help children see that math is meaningful and practical



Here are some videos that can help with teaching the concept:




-Specially created by Our Special Story-


Our Special Story provides Home Based 1-on-1 ABA Therapy, Early Intervention Class, School Readiness Class, Social Skills Class and School Shadowing for children with autism spectrum disorder, speech delay and other special needs. 


ABA Therapy can help to improve behaviours, attention, speech and communication, cognitive skills, motor skills, school readiness, social skills, self help skills and more!







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