Subtraction with Space — Kindergarten

Crossing out is the simplest way into subtraction, and this sheet leans on it the whole way. A group of rockets, planets and a star is shown; the child strikes through the ones that go away and counts the space things that stay. The struck-out pictures show what left, the rest show what's left — the difference is right there to see. Small amounts keep every answer checkable by counting the ones that remain, and because nothing must be read first, even a child new to written numbers can work through every row on their own.

Taking a few away and counting what is left is the most concrete form of subtraction there is, and it is exactly where five- and six-year-olds begin. Modelling the take-away with pictures the child can cross out keeps the meaning — fewer than we started with — front and centre, well within ten so every answer can be checked by counting.

Children who enjoy space take to crossing out quickly, and it works as a calm hands-on task or a whole-class action on the board. When this feels easy, take some away in subtraction with sports gear (black & white), or try subtraction with valentine pictures (black & white). You can also browse every subtraction worksheet or the whole space things collection for kindergarten — each sheet prints cleanly in black and white or plays online for free.