Math Worksheet with Things That Fly: Add and Subtract with Symbols

Trade pictures for numbers, then solve — that is the rhythm of this math worksheet with Things That Fly. The key at the top assigns each symbol a single-digit value, and the rest of the page is a set of add-and-subtract expressions built from those symbols. The child reads an expression, replaces each picture of Things That Fly with the number it stands for, and then evaluates: adding where there is a plus, taking away where there is a minus, working steadily toward the total. Results can reach about forty, so the child is adding and subtracting within numbers that genuinely belong to Grade 2. This blend of a simple key and multi-term sentences is a lovely way to practise substitution and two-step calculation, with the Things That Fly keeping the whole page warm and inviting.

In this variant the key is clear and the first expressions are simple, a calm way to warm up. The child looks up what each Things That Fly is worth, substitutes the values, and solves a short add-and-subtract sentence. Early success here makes the child ready to take on the longer expressions, with no rush and no score along the way.

If your child enjoys this math worksheet with Things That Fly, there is plenty more to solve, at a pace that feels right. You can print the worksheet as a PDF to work on paper, or play the interactive version online, always free and with no sign-up. There are no timers and no scores: each child substitutes, adds, and subtracts in their own time, with warmth and no shame about a tricky problem. When this is easy, try a symbol math worksheet with Things That Fly that uses longer expressions, or solve the same key with a fresh set of pictures. You can also browse every math worksheet to keep the adding and subtracting going, steadily and at your child's own pace.