We're Teaching Subtraction Wrong - Try this instead!

Are we teaching subtraction all wrong? In this episode of the Tier 1 Interventions Podcast, Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer break down Math Rules That Never Expire — Subtraction is Distance. You’ll learn: ✅ Why “subtraction is distance” works from preschool through high school ✅ How to make math stick using brain-based strategies, movement, and multi-sensory learning ✅ Ways to introduce negative numbers, decimals, and fractions without overwhelming students ✅ The power of letting answers “linger” to improve long-term retention Whether you’re a math teacher or an occupational therapist, these strategies will help you strengthen your Tier 1 instruction so every student can thrive. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS (Chapters) 00:00 – The #1 misconception about subtraction 00:21 – Welcome & episode intro with Cheri 01:02 – Jonily explains the Tier 1 Interventions mission 03:05 – The 3 math rules that never expire 05:06 – Why “Subtraction is Distance” builds number sense 09:00 – Using the number line and bar models for subtraction 11:00 – Distance vs. direction explained 12:10 – How the brain processes magnitude 13:55 – Example: 1012 – 995 without borrowing 14:20 – Join the Mastery Math Method Masterclass 15:10 – Estimation skills and conceptual understanding 18:00 – Why this strategy works for every type of number 19:00 – Addressing misconceptions with positive/negative numbers 22:00 – Applying the rule to decimals and fractions 25:05 – Why letting answers linger boosts learning 26:00 – Jonily on the “sitcom approach” problem in math teaching 28:30 – Recap of all 3 rules & closing thoughts 29:15 – Outro: Join the Mastery Math Method Masterclass 🎯 Ready to Change Math Outcomes in 10 Days? 👉 Join our free masterclass for school leaders, teachers, and occupational therapists: https://disabilitylabs.com/live-webinar/freemasterclass/register 🎁 Download your free Intervention Toolkit (must be logged in to download): https://disabilitylabs.com/43857/files/6887de9b124d7_1753734811_division-cycles-h-and-l-notes-extended.pdf 🎧 Prefer to Listen On the Go? Listen to Tier 1 Interventions on your favorite podcast app: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72Wmq8ddduGz4eUMK7LVIy Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-1-interventions/id1729403599?uo=4 Amazon/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89f67d1a-98b5-4592-a53c-8f4acb3d8029 🔗 Let’s Stay Connected 🌐 Website: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/mastery-math-bundle 📧 Disability Labs Community: https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1 🎙️ Credits + Tools Used Host: Cheri Dotterer: https://disabilitylabs.com/ Co-Host: Jonily Zupancic https://jonily.com/ Editor: Descript https://get.descript.com/o65ijk89xtcr Graphics: Canva https://www.canva.com/ Audio Equipment: Samson Q2U https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Handheld-Microphone-Recording-Podcasting/dp/B001R747SG Scarlet Solo https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Audio-Interface/dp/B0C5JSHP7M Transcription & Captions: Descript https://get.descript.com/o65ijk89xtcr Production: Disability Labs Podcast Network https://disabilitylabs.com/ 🧠 Resources Mentioned 🍕 The Pizza Problem → https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/the-pizza-problem 🧩 120-Chart Printable → https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/120-chart-course 🏗️ The Locker Problem → https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/locker-problem ⚠️ Disclaimer: The content shared in this video is for educational purposes only and does not replace your district’s policies or individualized education plans. Always consult with your instructional team before implementing new strategies. 🏷️ Hashtags #Tier1Interventions #MathIntervention #DivisionStrategies #SpecialEducation #MTSS #NeurodiverseLearning #jonily #cheri #subtractionstrategies #subtractionisdistance #numbersenseactivities #mathteachertips #brainbasedlearning #multisensorymath #occupationaltherapymath #tier1mathinterventions #masterymathmethod #howtoteachsubtraction