Strategic Math Series: SUTRACTION FACTS 10 to 18 (Cecil D. Mercer, Susan Peterson Miller)

Using the concrete-representational-abstract method of learning, students really understand what problems like 17 – 9 and 11 – 7 mean. At the concrete level, students learn to solve problems like 17 – 9 by counting out 17 objects, removing nine objects, and then counting the remaining objects. At the representational level, students learn to create pictures of objects, and students use these to determine the answer. Finally, at the abstract level, students use numbers alone to answer the problem, or, if they’re unable to recall the answer, draw out the problem using tallies. Along the way, students also become proficient solvers of word problems involving subtraction facts 10 to 18. They also have fun practicing these facts with the colorful “pig dice” that come with the book, and they learn to increase the speed at which they are able to recall these foundational facts.


Please note that professional development, coaching, and infrastructure support are essential components to effective implementation of SIM instructional tools and interventions. It is highly recommended that you work with a SIM professional developer. Please email simpd@ku.edu to learn more.
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