Show the child how to manipulate counters to work out subtraction facts. Use buttons, pennies or any other small item to see math facts come to life. If a problem states 9-5=4, give the child nine counters to work the problem out. Math facts will come easier to a child who can visually understand that when you subtract a number, the result is a smaller number than what you started with.
Quiz the child with flash cards each day for 10 minutes. Don’t overwhelm a child with a large stack of flash cards immediately, but start with a handful of easy problems and throw in a few challenging ones every day. A child will feel confident and encouraged if he can start with some success.
Assign computer time to the child. Allow the child to play online math games from such websites as Coolmath-Games.com or CoolMath4Kids.com.
Give subtraction problems relating to real life several times each day. Use real-life examples so students can apply their subtraction facts. For example, let a child know you have 10 cupcakes for dessert. Ask how many will be left after everyone eats one? Will it be enough for everyone to have another?