Know 1 less than numbers

The CanDoMaths ArithmeKit offers an engaging way for students to practice the concept of finding 'one less' than a given number. The exercises require children to fill in missing numbers, reinforcing their understanding of subtraction by one. For example, the number sequence includes pairs like 15 and 14, or 40 and 39, where the second number is always one less than the first. The activity also encourages students to create their own matching pairs, further solidifying the concept. A pattern can be observed in the exercises where the resulting numbers decrease sequentially, highlighting the consistency of the 'one less' relationship across the number system.

Another part of the kit challenges students to address common misconceptions, such as the idea that one less than an odd number is always odd, which is not the case. For instance, one less than 20, which is an even number, is 19, an odd number. The exercises include a variety of problems where students must insert the correct digit to complete the equation accurately, using each digit from 0 to 9 exactly once. This not only tests their understanding of the 'one less' concept but also their problem-solving skills and ability to recognise number patterns. The kit provides a comprehensive approach to learning this fundamental mathematical principle through a mix of direct instruction, pattern recognition, and hands-on problem-solving.