Count Back Strategy for Subtraction


Math Pack 40 will make learning the 'count back by 1, 2, 10 or 20' strategies super fun for your learners and a breeze to prep!

The activities will help students learning to:
  • count back by 2 with double digit numbers on a number line
  • use a hundreds chart to count back by 10
  • use hundred chart arrangements to count back by 1, 2, 10 and 20
  • count back by 1 and 2 in both the ones and tens column of 2 digit number subtraction
  • count back by 1 and 2 in 2 digit subtraction algorithms
Each of the 5 small-group activities has:
  • detailed instructions
  • playing cards/boards/templates
  • a worksheet (either a recording worksheet or a fun-follow-up)
  • a cover page to help you organize your resources for future reference
Here's a sneak peek:

Count Back 2

Students will count back by 2 with 2 digit numbers on a number track. You can encourage students to make these tracks using labeled connecting cubes or number tiles too. Students new to this strategy might use the line of numbers to 'jump' back, but hopefully with LOADS of practice they will become so familiar with the position of numbers 2 spaces back, they will know them instantly.

Count Back 10

Students will use a hundreds chart to 'count back 10'. Here they will become familiar with the visualization of 10 less on a hundreds chart arrangement.


Count Back Corners

Students will count back by 1, 2, and 10 with sections of a hundreds chart. Here they will write numbers using dry erase markers, or pencil on the recording page.



Count Back House

Students will count back by 1 and 2 in both the ones and tens column of 2 digit number subtraction during this activity. They will use the skills practiced in the previous games to find the answer.


Take Away

Students will count back by 1 and 2 in 2 digit subtraction algorithms and record using a marker or number tile.


Hop over  to our TpT store to find this new Math Pack now!