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