Take your time; there's no rush to move on to abstract number symbols like 7 - 3. But when you do decide to explore further, here are four invaluable questions you can ask to continue helping your child with subtraction:
4 of the best questions to ask to help your child with subtraction
Well done for figuring that out,How did you do it?
This is a really good way to help your child learn maths with more understanding.
★ Pass it on ★ There are lots of different ways that they might choose to subtract for example 7-3
They might start at 7 and count back 3, saying 6,5,4
Or start at 3 and count on saying 4,5,6,7
They might draw and use a blank number line.
Find out more about how number lines can help.
They might remember that 3+4 = 7 and know that they can use this fact to also know that 7-3 = 4
They might also know 7-3 = 4 as a fact that has been memorised.
Do your best to listen and value what your child has to say, as it will go a long way in helping your child with subtraction and providing them with invaluable support.
Can you think of other sums that you have figured out at the same time?
★ Pass it on ★ Say for example "Well done for figuring out that seven take away three equals four, Does knowing this answer help with any other sums?"
Again there are lots of different answers to this question. It is particularly good to match subtraction sums to their corresponding addition sums. Your child's response will definitely also vary depending on how big the numbers are that they have been working with. Making connections in this way is a great way to make maths seem much easier for your child.
If your child thinks of one answer and then stops, you could then suggest another answer and maybe try to take turns.
They might know that if 7-3 = 4, then 4+3 = 7 and 3+4 = 7
If 7-3 = 4, 7 tens subtract 3 tens will be four tens or 70-30=40
Similarly 7 hundreds subtract 3 hundreds will be four hundreds or 700-300=400
They might like to do it with millions too!
Can you think of other sums that would have the same answer?
Because this encourages your child to connect one sum to another it is another great way to make maths seem less challenging.
Again having worked with 7-3 = 4,the difference between seven and three is four then the difference between one more than seven and one more than three is also 4 , 8-4 = 4 . Similarly 6-2 = 4
Splitting one of the numbers 7-1-1-1 = 4, 7-2-1 = 4
Or unrelated to 7-3 e.g. 2+2 = 4, 19-15 = 4
Educationalists love open-ended questions
because educational research consistently demonstrates that open questions yield the most exceptional learning outcomes for our children.
The questions suggested here all have lots of answers - They are open-ended questions and they encourage every child to confidently give an answer and share their thoughts. Nothing short of brilliant!
But here's the real bonus: open questions provide opportunities to find out what a child has learned already WITHOUT the need for anxiety inducing tests!
Can you think of a story to go with that sum?
This is a great way to associate maths with something much less scary for your child. You might talk about minibeasts or dinosaurs...whatever interests your child. An example might be : "Anna had seven chocolates, she gave three to her mum and had four left for herself. "
It is also important to think about
The best way to respond when your child gives a wrong answer
It's important but difficult to know how to respond when your child gives a wrong answer.
Try your very best to respond in a way that reassures your child that mistakes are not only okay but are, in fact, some of the best opportunities for learning. By fostering an environment where mistakes are embraced as part of the learning process, you not only encourage your child's confidence but also help them develop resilience and a positive attitude toward challenges—great building blocks for their future success.
★ Pass it on ★ Ask "How did you get your answer". As they explain they may come up with a different answer or if not any areas of misunderstanding will become clear.
