Early elementary educators understand students need a strong foundation in numeracy skills. Young learners require a firm grasp on numbers and counting before they can tackle challenges such as arithmetic. Then they need fact fluency so they aren’t always using manipulatives. But how do we teach facts over and over while engaging young learners? The answer is easy…subtraction games!

Why Should I Use Subtraction Games?
Do you have students in your classroom who painstakingly count their fingers or draw tally marks for every single equation? While these strategies are excellent, they will dramatically slow down students who need to solve more complex problems in later grades. This can lead to discouragement and lack of motivation. These students need fact fluency, but flashcards aren’t always the way to go.
You may be concerned about juggling tons of pieces, finding ways to keep games organized and utilizing the proper level for each student, or maybe you don’t know how you’d fit anything else into your already jam-packed schedule. I’m happy to say that these digital subtraction games require simply a computer and projector, have tons of levels for you to choose from, and are perfect for any time slot with their click-and-play nature.
The Best Subtraction Games: Knockout
Knockout is the perfect game to keep your little learners motivated and moving during math instruction! It’s completely no prep on your part as the teacher. All you need to do is select the appropriate game and pull it up on your computer. Point the projector at a blank wall (not even a SMARTboard required!) and you’re ready to go. Your students will thrive on the competition and fast-paced nature and will be learning those math facts along the way.
How Does it Work?
This game sounds too good to be true. How do you play Knockout? Each slide of the game is divided into two halves. You separate your class into two teams and the first two in line go head to head to answer the problem on the board as fast as possible. The one that answers correctly first wins and retreats to the back of their team’s line to play again. The other learner sits down but remains engaged because at any point they can get called back in with special slides such as Pick a Pal.
Other engaging surprise slides include Double Knockout where both players have to sit out and Free Pass where they get a free pass to the back of the line without answering a question. The game is over when all the players from one team have sat out and you’re ready to play again!

What’s Included?
Every Knockout game includes a similar setup. A variety of games is included for students to practice the focus skill. There are three formats: Google Slides, PowerPoint, and a PDF file. Each game has approximately 35-40 slides and includes a teacher manual and answer keys. These particular Knockout subtraction games include:
Addition and Subtraction Math Facts Games for 1st Grade Bundle: 26 Knockout games for students to focus on minus facts, plus facts, mixed, and adding doubles. Choose the perfect game for your entire class or a group of students to get some extra practice.
Subtraction and Addition Within 20 Math Facts Review Game: 22 Knockout games focusing on individual plus facts, minus facts, a mix of addition, a mix of subtraction, and a mix of both. All of these options help you differentiate as well as have a ton of options for students to always have a new game to play.
Addition and Subtraction Math Facts Within 5: 3 Knockout games including mixed addition, mixed subtraction, and a mix of both perfect for reviewing and practicing those facts up to 5.

Benefits of Knockout Subtraction Games
Why should you use Knockout subtraction games in your classroom? These games will help your students love math, improve their math fact fluency, and support a positive classroom community. They are also flexible and simple to incorporate into your day in a variety of ways.
Start your math block off with an engaging daily math warm-up using Knockout. Another rainy day where recess is cancelled? Never fear, indoor recess Knockout is here! Utilize these subtraction games for a brain break, transition or dismissal activity, end of year or beginning of year review, and even leave them for a substitute. The benefits of knockout subtraction games are that they help your students learn and help you keep your students motivated and learning throughout the entire school day. Who doesn’t love a flexible no prep resource that can be used in so many ways?
Be sure and check out these other blog posts for other ways you can use Knockout in your classroom!

What Teachers are Saying
“My students LOVED this game. They were having so much fun with it that my neighbor teacher had to call and see what we were up to!”
— Karen D. ★★★★★
“My students LOVE Knockout. I highly recommend all of these products. Great way to practice fact fluency in the classroom. My students ask me to play these games all year long.
— Katlyn P. ★★★★★
“This resource is absolutely fantastic!! It is a great way to process what your students know as well as consolidate their learning. It is heaps of fun and it will be something your students request time and time again.”
— Juliet A. ★★★★★
Read more reasons why Knockout is the best math game!
Try These Free Subtraction Games Today!
Check out this link to choose your own Knockout Sampler Pack. We want to make sure your students love to play and that they fit into your daily classroom routine.
Reasons to Use Subtraction Games in Your Classroom
- Research shows that students learn best through play! Foster a sense of fun so your students love learning and grow in fact fluency.
- Create a positive classroom community. While there is a competitive nature to Knockout, you will see students cheering on their classmates and get a prime opportunity to teach good sportsmanship.
- Click and play! Simply choose the game perfect for your group or class, and begin! This makes it easy to differentiate and perfect for transitions or whatever time you have.
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