Kindergarten Spring Math — Compose/Decompose to 10, Addition & Subtraction within 10, Teen Numbers as Ten-and-Ones, Measurement, and Classification
Math · AT K math.gK.s.at.subtract_within_10

Subtraction within 10 using concrete and pictorial strategies (K.OA.A.1, K.OA.A.5)

Subtract a whole number from another whole number when both are within 10. Represent subtraction with objects, fingers, drawings, sounds, acting out, expressions (8−3), and equations (8−3=5). Subtraction interpretations covered: take-away (start with 8, remove 3) and missing-addend (5 plus what makes 8?). Fluency target: subtract within 5 by end of unit.

Mastery threshold
90%
Min instances
18
Typical minutes
25
Spaced intervals (days)
1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60
Common misconceptions
  • Counts the entire starting set after removing items, including the removed items (does not separate physically before recounting).
  • Adds when the sign is − (reads sign as 'and' rather than 'take away') — common when transition from addition is too fast.
  • Subtracts the larger from the smaller in either direction (e.g., 3 − 8 answered as 5 because child swaps without realizing).
  • Cannot distinguish 'how many left' from 'how many in all' — semantic confusion in word-problem context.

Exercise pool (3)