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Skip Counting and Fill in the Gap with Subtraction
Mathematics – Primary 1 Second Term Lesson Note (Week 3)
Class Information
- Subject: Mathematics
- Class: Primary 1
- Term: Second Term
- Week: 3
- Age: 5 – 6 years
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Topic: Skip Counting and Fill in the Gap with Subtraction
- Sub-topic: Using subtraction to skip count backward and fill missing numbers
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of skip counting and subtraction.
- Identify and fill missing numbers in a backward counting sequence.
- Subtract numbers correctly while counting backward.
- Use subtraction to solve simple “fill in the gap” problems.
- Develop confidence in number pattern recognition.
Keywords and Meanings
- Skip Counting – Counting by skipping some numbers.
- Subtraction – Taking away a number from another.
- Backward Counting – Counting from a bigger number to a smaller one.
- Number Line – A straight line used to show numbers in order.
- Sequence – A pattern or order of numbers.
- Gap – The missing number or space between numbers.
- Minus – The sign used for subtraction (−).
- Difference – The answer when we subtract one number from another.
- Decrease – To make something smaller in number or amount.
- Pattern – A repeated or regular way numbers follow one another.
Set Induction (Introduction Story)
The teacher tells a short story:
“Children, do you remember how we count forward when playing ‘Ten-Ten’ or skipping rope? Today, we will count backward like when your mummy says, ‘I’ll count down from 10 before I come there!’ That is skip counting with subtraction. Let’s imagine we have 10 sweets and we eat one at a time — each time we subtract, the number becomes smaller. Let’s see how it works!”
This story captures their attention and connects subtraction to real-life experience.
Entry Behaviour
Pupils can already count from 1 to 50 and understand basic addition from the previous lesson.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Number charts
- Flashcards (showing number patterns)
- Counters or bottle tops
- Whiteboard and marker
- Real-life objects (sweets, pencils, etc.)
Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge
The teacher reminds pupils of how they counted forward by adding. Now they will do the opposite — count backward by subtracting.
Embedded Core Skills
- Numeracy skills
- Critical thinking
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Observation and pattern recognition
Reference Books
- Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Primary 1
- New Method Mathematics for Primary Schools Book 1
- Nelson Primary Mathematics Book 1
Instructional Materials
- Number line chart
- Flashcards with missing numbers
- Subtraction cards
- Interactive board
Lesson Presentation
Step 1: Introduction
- The teacher revises the previous topic: “Introduction to Addition of Numbers.”
- The teacher writes a sequence on the board: 10, 9, 8, 7, __, 5.
- Pupils are asked to fill the missing number (6).
- The teacher introduces the new topic: Skip Counting and Fill in the Gap with Subtraction.
Step 2: Teacher’s Activities
- Display a number line from 1 to 20.
- Demonstrate backward counting by twos: 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, etc.
- Ask pupils to observe what happens to the numbers (they get smaller).
- Explain that each time, we subtract 2.
- Give examples of skip counting backward by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s.
- Solve examples on the board with pupils’ help.
- Guide pupils to fill in missing numbers in subtraction patterns.
Step 3: Learners’ Activities
- Listen and watch the teacher’s demonstration.
- Join in chanting backward counting.
- Use number charts to fill missing numbers.
- Solve practice questions on their slates.
- Participate in group work activities.
Content Explanation
Definition
- Skip Counting by Subtraction means counting backward by subtracting a fixed number each time.
Example: Counting back by 2s → 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, etc.
Examples
- 10, 9, 8, 7, __, 5 → Missing number is 6.
- 20, 18, 16, 14, __, 10 → Missing number is 12.
- 50, 45, 40, 35, __, 25 → Missing number is 30.
- 15, 13, 11, 9, __, 5 → Missing number is 7.
- 100, 90, 80, 70, __, 50 → Missing number is 60.
More Examples
Counting Backward by 1s
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Counting Backward by 2s
20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
Counting Backward by 5s
50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5
Counting Backward by 10s
100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10
Counting Backward by 3s
30, 27, 24, 21, 18, 15, 12, 9, 6, 3
Class Activity Discussion (10 FAQs with Answers)
- Q: What does it mean to skip count?
A: It means counting by jumping some numbers. - Q: What happens when we subtract numbers?
A: The number becomes smaller. - Q: What is backward counting?
A: Counting from a big number to a small number. - Q: What is subtraction?
A: Taking away something from another number. - Q: What is the subtraction sign?
A: Minus (−). - Q: What do we call the answer in subtraction?
A: Difference. - Q: How do we skip count backward by 2?
A: Subtract 2 each time. - Q: What number comes before 7?
A: 6. - Q: What is missing in 15, 13, __, 9?
A: 11. - Q: What happens when we skip count backward by 5?
A: We subtract 5 each time.
Evaluation Questions
A. Fill in the Blanks (Choose a, b, c, or d)
- 10, 9, 8, __, 6 → (a) 7 (b) 5 (c) 8 (d) 10
- 20, 18, __, 14 → (a) 12 (b) 16 (c) 18 (d) 20
- 15, 13, 11, __ → (a) 9 (b) 10 (c) 8 (d) 12
- 50, 45, 40, __ → (a) 30 (b) 35 (c) 25 (d) 45
- 100, 90, 80, __ → (a) 60 (b) 70 (c) 90 (d) 50
- 30, 25, __, 15 → (a) 10 (b) 20 (c) 5 (d) 25
- 9, 8, 7, __, 5 → (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 7 (d) 8
- 40, 35, 30, __ → (a) 25 (b) 20 (c) 15 (d) 30
- 60, 50, 40, __ → (a) 20 (b) 30 (c) 10 (d) 50
- 12, 10, 8, __ → (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 8 (d) 10
B. Short Answer Questions
- What does skip counting mean?
- What is subtraction?
- What does backward counting mean?
- What sign do we use for subtraction?
- What is the difference between 10 and 7?
- Write three numbers counting backward from 9.
- Fill in the gap: 20, 18, __, 14.
- Count backward from 15 by twos.
- What happens when you subtract 1 from 8?
- Fill in the blank: 30, __, 20, 15.
Conclusion
The teacher goes around, marks pupils’ work, provides feedback, and reinforces correct subtraction and skip counting patterns.
Assessment
Pupils answer practice questions and participate in number games to show understanding.
SEO Optimization
- Captivating Title: Skip Counting and Filling Gaps with Subtraction – Primary 1 Maths
- Focus Keyphrase: Skip Counting with Subtraction
- SEO Title: Skip Counting and Filling Gaps with Subtraction – Primary 1 Lesson
- Slug: skip-counting-with-subtraction-primary1
- Excerpt: Teach pupils how to skip count and fill gaps using subtraction with fun examples, number patterns, and classroom activities.
- Keyword (One word): Subtraction
- Meta Description: Learn skip counting and fill-in-the-gap subtraction for Primary 1 pupils with simple examples, story-based teaching, and easy classroom activities.
Internal Links
- Introduction to Addition of Numbers – Primary 1 Lesson
- Filling the Gap from 1 to 70 – Mathematics Primary 1
- Understanding Numbers up to 100 – Primary Mathematics Guide
External Links