ONE WAY TO THINK ABOUT IT
Ten groups, then one group fewer.
9 × 7 = 10 × 7 − 7 = 70 − 7 = 63. Cross out one row of seven in a ten-row array.
Try this together
Name what you subtract; it is one whole group.
Say the complete fact, draw or build its groups, then try it again without the picture. It is fine to return to a known fact when an answer feels uncertain.