Subtract a Number with Accessories — Kindergarten

A group of hats, belts and a scarf sits beside a minus sign and a written number on every row, with the answer left blank. The child counts the pictured set first, then takes the number away to say how many accessories are left. It is subtraction with one foot in counting and one foot in symbols: the picture keeps the meaning concrete while the numeral starts the move toward written take-away, and the small totals let a kindergartner check every answer by counting.

Subtraction is still taking away here; only the amount removed has become a written number. A child counts the pictured accessories, then steps the count down by the numeral to find the rest. Keeping within ten means the answer is always reachable by counting back rather than by recalling a fact, which is exactly where five- and six-year-olds should be.

Children who enjoy accessories settle into this quickly once crossing-out feels easy, and it suits a calm independent task. When this feels easy, take some away in subtract a number with animals, or try subtract a number with more birds. You can also browse every subtraction worksheet or the whole accessories collection for kindergarten — each sheet prints cleanly in black and white or plays online for free.