INTRODUCTION TO INSTRUCTIONAL SUBTRACTION

The Teach Your Children Math Well Subtraction module provides instruction and practice in basic subtraction facts through to complex computations. The program consists of 50 lessons. The first lessons introduce minus sign recognition, reading and writing equations, equality concepts, place value and basic subtraction facts. The second part continues instruction and practice in place value, regrouping, regrouping from zeros, and solving multi-digit subtraction problems. Each lesson will take a student about 10 to 20 minutes to complete.

THE PLACEMENT TEST

When students first begin the Subtraction module, they must complete a preplacement keyboard test. Students will enter (by matching) 10 numbers.

3    5    1    4    0    8    6    9    7    2

If the student enters eight or more correctly, the program will administer the Placement Test. If fewer than eight numbers are correct, 10 more numbers appear.

7    1    4    6    9    2    3    8    0    5

If again, fewer than eight numbers are correct, the student will be required to have more practice in keyboarding skills.

NOTE: At this point students are instructed to "Call your teacher." Type in ZIG on the screen to continue the program and receive further instructions.

The Placement Test presents examples of several different problem types. Errors are corrected as the student takes the test. Based on the error data, the student either continues with the test or is told which lesson s/he will begin within the program.

Placement Test results are as follows:

Errors on:                                             Place students in:

Basic Facts                                           Lesson 1: The Minus Sign
Subtraction without regrouping                 Lesson 8: Minus 0, Minus Itself
Subtraction with regrouping                     Lesson 34: Place Value-10s
Three-digit subtraction with regrouping      Lesson 39: Using 100s
Successful completion                             Lesson 42: Minus 1 Facts

NOTE: Successful completion of the Placement Test may indicate that the student has mastered all of the skills presented in the Subtraction module.For a quick look at the skills taught in the Subtraction module see the Subtraction Main Menu. Refer to the Lesson-by-Lesson Chart to see specific skills taught along with Learning Objectives and prerequisite skills.