The purpose of this activity is for students to explain how a subtraction expression represents a story problem (MP2). Students connect the expression to the story problem and then solve the story problem. Students will be introduced to equations in a later unit.

• Write “.”
• “What does the 10 represent in the story problem? What does the 6 represent?”
• “10 take away 6 is 4. We can write that as is 4.”

The purpose of this activity is for students to choose expressions that represent story problems (MP2).

• “Can you tell me what is happening in the story problem?”
• “Is something being added or taken away in the story problem? How can that help you figure out which expression matches the story problem?”

• Display and . If needed, reread the second story problem.
• “Which expression did you choose? How did you know which expression to choose?” (. Some of the kids left, so I chose the one with the minus sign.)
• Display .
• “Use this expression to tell your partner what happened in the story.”

• Number Race
• Math Stories

• “What was your favorite story problem that your partner told you? Why was it your favorite?”