Subtraction Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Subtraction Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this subtraction vocabulary puzzle set for my 1st and 2nd graders during our math unit. The kids could subtract numbers but had no idea what words like minuend, subtrahend, or difference meant. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like subtract, minus, equal, difference, take away, subtract, subtract, left, fewer, less than, compare, subtract, subtract, subtract, minuend, subtrahend, number sentence, and fact family. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the subtraction terms finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether "difference" means subtract every time. The crossword I use for partners with number clues. I added a couple simple minus sign and equal sign drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 1st through 3rd grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write a subtraction sentence and label the minuend, subtrahend, and difference on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.