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