Which Subtraction Strategy Should I Use? Try Base Ten Blocks!

How many different ways can you teach your students to subtract? There are many different strategies, and no single approach is the perfect fit for everyone. That’s why you introduce them to all of them and have them practice regularly to determine which strategy works best for them.

This worksheet focuses on a single strategy or method of subtracting, which is using base ten blocks as visual models to help solve problems. Students will color or mark out the subtracted blocks to determine the difference. 

Subtraction Strategy Worksheet: Scaffolding & Extend

In addition to individual student work time, use this regrouping worksheet as a:

• Math center activity
• Post-lesson exit ticket 
• Homework assignment
• Whole-class review (via smartboard)

Have you got fast finishers? Students who need a challenge can generate their numbers using dice and then use the base-10 blocks model to solve their 2-digit subtraction problems. 

Students needing extra support can use base-10 blocks to represent the numbers and solve the problems. 

A Variety of Ways to Prepare This Resource

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete.  

You can also turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity! Print a few copies on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker, and then erase and reuse them. 

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download.

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator.