Subtract a Number with Classroom Objects — Kindergarten

This kindergarten sheet asks the child to take a written number away from a group they can see. They count the pencils, books and a globe in the picture, then subtract the number the row gives them — removing that many — and write what's left in the box. Half picture and half symbol, it is the natural next step after crossing pictures out: the child still counts to find the answer, but now the amount taken away arrives as a numeral instead of marks on the classroom objects.

Pairing a countable group with a number to subtract builds two things at once — the take-away meaning and the first comfort with written numbers. Because the classroom objects stay pictured and the totals stay within ten, the child can always fall back on counting to check, so the symbol is introduced on a foundation they can trust.

Children who enjoy classroom objects 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 clothes, or try subtract a number with farm animals. You can also browse every subtraction worksheet or the whole classroom objects collection for kindergarten — each sheet prints cleanly in black and white or plays online for free.