📋 Direction Card — Read This First!

How to Use These Cards:

1. Read each candle word problem card carefully.

2. Use counters, a number line, or mental math to solve.

3. Write your answer in the space provided.

4. When finished, flip over to the Control of Error Card to check your work.

5. If your answer is different, try the problem again — that is how we learn! 🕯️

You may use: counters, a number line, bead chains, or pencil and paper.

🕯️ Part 1: Candle Word Problem Cards

Solve each candle problem. Show your work in the box below each question.

Number sentence: 9 − 4 = ____

Number sentence: 12 − 5 = ____

Number sentence: 15 − 7 = ____

Number sentence: 18 − 9 = ____

Number sentence: 20 − 11 = ____

✏️ Part 2: Show Your Thinking

Choose one candle problem from above. Draw a picture to show how you solved it.

There were ____ candles. __________________ happened. How many are left?

Number sentence: ____ − ____ = ____

✅ Control of Error Card — Check Your Answers!

Flip this card over after completing all problems. Check each answer carefully.

Card 1: 9 − 4 = 5 candles still lit

Card 2: 12 − 5 = 7 candles left

Card 3: 15 − 7 = 8 candles remaining

Card 4: 18 − 9 = 9 candles still burning

Card 5: 20 − 11 = 9 candles still lit

✨ Did you get them all correct? Wonderful work! If not, try using counters and solve again.

🌟 Differentiation & Extension Strategies

For educators — these strategies support all learners using this material.

🟢 Support Strategies (for learners who need more scaffolding)

• Provide a number line (0–20) laminated beside the cards for counting back.

• Offer physical candle counters (craft sticks or tokens) to act out each problem concretely.

• Pair with a partner for oral reading of each word problem before solving independently.

• Reduce the number set — use Cards 1–3 only (within 15) before introducing Cards 4–5.

🔵 Extension Activities (for advanced learners)

• Challenge: Write the related addition fact for each subtraction sentence (e.g., 5 + 4 = 9).

• Create a candle subtraction booklet — write and illustrate 5 original candle word problems.

• Solve using two-step problems: "There were 20 candles. 6 blew out, then 4 more. How many are left?"

• Explore missing number problems: 15 − ____ = 8. How many candles were blown out?

🟡 Montessori Material Connections

• Use with the Stamp Game for Cards 4–5 (two-digit subtraction).

• Connect to the Snake Game for fact family exploration.

• Invite learners to record work in their Math Journal after completing the cards.