Subtract a Number with Insects and Bugs — Kindergarten

A group of ants, bees and a ladybug 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 bugs 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.

Reading the amount to remove as a numeral, while the starting group stays a set of bugs the child counts, keeps subtraction meaningful without keeping it forever in crossing-out. It is the gentlest introduction to written numbers in take-away — the pictures stay countable, the totals stay small, and the child learns the figure names the same amount they could have struck through.

Children who enjoy insects and bugs 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 kitchen tools, or try subtract a number with post office. You can also browse every subtraction worksheet or the whole bugs collection for kindergarten — each sheet prints cleanly in black and white or plays online for free.