Stamp Game: Subtraction

This math lesson is designed for 6 to 12-year-old children to guide them about subtracting 4-digit numbers using the Montessori stamp game.

In our previous video lesson, the Montessori stamp game, we learned about stamp games and how to create DIY stamps using colored paper at home. In this video lesson, we will learn how to add 4-digit numbers using the stamp game.

The Montessori stamp game is an effective tool for teaching mathematics to young children through hands-on experience. Children can learn dynamic subtraction with the Montessori stamp game, which is a valuable skill to solve complex mathematical problems with ease.

Understanding Dynamic Subtraction

Dynamic subtraction is a technique used to subtract larger numbers from smaller numbers. To perform dynamic subtraction, we need to borrow from the next place value. For example, when subtracting 5 from 3, we need to borrow from the next place value (i.e., the tens column) to get 13 – 5 = 8. Dynamic subtraction is an important skill that helps children to understand place value and the concept of borrowing.

What is the Purpose of Stamp Game Subtraction?

The purpose of the Montessori stamp game subtraction is to understand the concept of subtraction by using a hands-on approach. It allows children to allow children to visualize the process of borrowing from the next place value and learn the importance of place value in subtraction. By using physical stamps to represent quantities, children can develop a better understanding of how numbers work and how larger quantities can be broken into smaller quantities.

By using this tool, children can develop a strong foundation in mathematics and become more confident in their ability to solve complex problems.

Materials Required for Stamp Game Subtraction 

  • Large quantities of wooden squares of equal size about 1-inch square like stamps:
  • Green-colored stamp of 1.
  • Blue-colored stamp of 10.
  • Red-colored stamp of 100.
  • Green-colored stamp of 1000.
  • A pencil and ruler.
  • Grid or ruled paper.

One can also download the stamps here for the subtraction.

Prerequisite of Dynamic Subtraction with Stamp Game

  • A child must learn how to do static subtraction using stamps i.e. subtracting without borrowing numbers. This method will help children to move from concrete to more abstract ways to learn subtraction.
  • A child must be introduced to bead bars and fully understand how to count, add, subtract, multiply, and divide using bead bars.

How To Present Stamp Game Subtraction To The Child?

The Montessori stamp game is an excellent tool for teaching dynamic subtraction. Here are the steps to perform dynamic subtraction using the Montessori stamp game:

Let us subtract 7626 – 2854 as an example

  1. Invite the child to the table along with the stamp game.
  2. Show the child the problem subtraction card and ask the child to write the first 4-digit number (7626) on the grid paper. 
  3. As shown in the video, ask the child to place 6 units (green round stamp) on the unit grid. 2 blue colored stamps in the tens grid, 6 red colored stamps on the hundreds grid, and 7 green colored stamps on the thousands grid.
  4. To subtract the smaller number (i.e., 2854), start removing the corresponding stamp tiles from the units column, i.e. remove 4 tiles out of 6. This results in the remaining 2 tiles.
  5. In the tens column, since we cannot subtract 5 from 2, we need to borrow from the next place value (i.e., the hundreds column). To do this, remove a stamped tile from the hundreds column and add 10 borrowed stamps to the tens column. (1 hundred stamp = 10 tens stamps)
  6. Now, let’s take out 5 from 12 tens of stamps. We will leave with 7 stamps in the tens grid.
  7. Similarly, repeat steps 5 and 6 for borrowing in hundreds places. Thus, removing 8 from 15 hundreds stamps, resulting in 7 stamps in the thousands place grid.
  8. In the thousand places, the total number of stamps left with 6 stamps. Now remove 2 thousand stamps from 6 stamps. The remaining thousand stamps are 4.
  9. The answer to the subtraction problem is the remaining stamp tiles in each column. i.e.4772
  10. Note the result in the record book. Ask the child to try. 

Instill a sense of logical thinking in the child by asking them to repeat this activity as shown in the video and subtract multiple digit numbers using stamps.

Related Stamp Game Video Lessons:

To watch more Montessori math video resources, click here. 

Video Created by: Maddy Taylor

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