Gather the materials
- Eight large paper counters
- A simple story mat
- Paper and a pencil for an optional crossing-out drawing
Choose large materials and supervise their use. Adjust quantity, print size, response method and pace to the learner. A partner may move or record while the learner points or explains.
Teach the sequence
3 minutes
Tell and model
Place seven counters on a pretend bus. Three passengers leave. Move those three aside and count the four who remain. Keep the removed group visible so the story can be discussed.
4 minutes
Connect the symbols
Write 7 − 3 = 4 only after acting it out. Ask which number was the start, which described leaving and which names the remaining group. The minus sign tells part of this story; it is not simply a command to pick the smaller number.
4 minutes
Check by putting back
Return the three counters to the four who stayed and show 4 + 3 = 7. Ask how that checks the original result. Repeat with six starting and two leaving.
2 minutes
Choose a representation
Offer a new short story within the comfortable range. Let the learner use objects, cross out a drawing or explain a known fact, then show what remains.
Adapt the same idea
Provide more support
Use a smaller start, model the movement and read the story aloud. An accessible pointing or partner-assisted explanation can show the intended understanding without requiring neat written work.
Extend when ready
Change the unknown: ‘Seven started; four remain; how many left?’ Use the same counters and relate the question to 4 + □ = 7 rather than teaching a disconnected trick.
What to observe
- Can the learner distinguish the starting, removed and remaining groups?
- Does the drawing or action match the story?
- Can putting the removed group back check the result?
Use these observations to decide what to model next. A brief note about a strategy or a misconception is more useful than simply recording a score.
Home follow-up
Act out a pretend snack or toy story with a grown-up. Keep it fictional if moving real food would distract from the number idea.