Subtraction Worksheet: Counting and Subtracting for Preschoolers
This worksheet introduces children ages 4-5 to the concept of subtraction as 'taking away' by having them count a group of objects, cross out the number indicated, and write how many remain. Building this concrete, visual understanding of subtraction before introducing abstract number sentences helps children grasp what the minus sign actually means rather than just memorizing a procedure.
Part of the pack
Month 4: Learning & Development | Ages 5-6
This is page 10 of the pack. Ages 5-6 · KindergartenAges 5-6 · Year 1Ages 5-6 · UKGAges 5-6
Made for your child
Taking away within 10, made for your child
A maths pack with your child's name in it: pictures that explain, practice at three levels, puzzles and story sums about them. Print a new set whenever they finish.
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Curriculum
- Subtraction > Subtraction Basics
How to use this worksheet
Look at the first number sentence together and read it aloud, like 'five take away two.' Have your child count the objects pictured, touching each one as they count. Ask them to cross out the number of objects being subtracted, then count how many are left uncrossed. Have them write that remaining number in the blank, and repeat the process for each problem on the page.
Materials needed
- Pencil
- Eraser
Extension activities
- 1Use small snacks or toys to physically act out subtraction — start with a group, take some away, and count what's left.
- 2Create your own simple subtraction story problems using your child's favorite toys.
- 3Play a game where you start with a number of claps and 'subtract' by stopping early, then count how many happened.
- 4Draw a group of objects and have your child cross some out to match a subtraction sentence you say aloud.
Written by
Hemsweta Jain · Teacher Cheena
MBA and Early Childhood Educator, teaching since 2014 · Founder of RaisoActive, Mumbai
Every RaisoActive worksheet is designed and checked by the founder before publishing.
Published · Last reviewed
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