The Good Neighbors' Cheese Feast - Instruction Ideas

1.
Read the book to introduce the concept/process of subtraction with regrouping

Let the students enjoy the story and unknowingly gain context and prior knowledge of the concept/process of subtraction with regrouping.  If you have the the ability, project the ebook and turn a 18 in. X 11 in. spread to a 6 ft x 4 1/2  ft spread.

2.
Reread the book with an explicit focus on the subtraction with regrouping process within the story

Model the subtraction with regrouping within the story (using base ten blocks or notation) while you read the story.  Projecting the Subtraction Template from the Upper Blackline Masters on a white board is a great way to do this.  You can use magnetic base ten blocks, or use base ten notation.

3.
Give students the Subtraction Template and a subtraction problem to solve by drawing base ten blocks

Give students repeated practice with the process.  When students are able to draw the process they understand the concept/process.  Encourage students to draw the blocks in rows of five, so counting is made and making groups of ten is made easier.  Start by subtracting tens and ones.  Once students master tens and ones have them subtract numbers in the hundreds.

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4.
Learn about "Bridging the Gap" between the pictorial and the numeric representation of the standard algorithm with the "Hybrid Method"

Bridge the gap between solving subtraction with regrouping computations pictorially and numerically.  Watch how the ‘Hybrid Method’ makes the conceptual elements of the standard algorithm visible.   

The video below explains how to set-up, model, and have student use the ‘Hybrid Method’ for subtraction with regrouping and the standard algorithm for subtraction. Bridge the gap between solving the standard algorithm with pictures and numbers – based on the book, The Good Neighbors’ Cheese Feast

5.
Model the "Bridging the Gap - Hybrid Method" and let students practice

Printable Number, and Story cards for the “Hybrid Method”

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Printable Recipe cards for the “Hybrid Method”

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6.
Guide students solving subtraction problems numerically

Students can solve the problems numerically using the Subtraction Template for the greatest support or blank paper for less support.  Start off with just subtracting tens and ones.  Build up to subtracting hundreds when students are secure with tens and ones.