As Kindergarteners progress in the school year, we are getting stronger in our number sense and understanding that sets combine to make a new total (addition). Subtraction can be a little more challenging. I find that it can help to incorporate fun, themed activities into our math centers that make learning both engaging and effective. These free Snowman Subtraction Mats do exactly that and are just one fun activity from our Snow Centers and Activities Bundle!
*For even more seasonal learning fun, grab the whole Snow Centers and Activities BUNDLE in our shop or purchase it over on Teachers Pay Teachers!
Snowman Subtraction Mats
Subtraction can be a tricky skill for students to master! These snowman subtraction mats are a great, hands-on math center for any child who is working on subtraction up to 6. They are especially perfect for Kindergarten or 1st Grade!
How to Prep
Prepping these snowman math mats is a breeze – just print them out, laminate, and cut them in half (there are two mats per sheet).
Then add some colorful buttons and dry erase markers to a basket, and you have a fun new math center ready to go!
How to Play
I first introduce activities like this in a small group setting so that kids can really see me use the manipulatives up close. If you use a document camera in the classroom, it works great too!
We know in subtraction that we have to start with the first (and largest) number – so if our snowman began with 4 buttons, we place 4 buttons on the snowman.
Uh-oh! He lost 2! I physically remove the 2 buttons off of the snowman so that the kids see this represented. 2 buttons are leaving.
How many buttons are left? 2! So we write the number 2 in the box. 4-2=2!
We keep pulling cards and playing until we have solved all of the equations (10 subtraction mats included)!
Grab Your Free Copy
Ready to work on those early subtraction skills? Grab some buttons, then download your free copy of the snowman subtraction mats by clicking the large, yellow download button at the very end of the post!
Or, grab the whole Snow Centers and Activities BUNDLE for an entire season of low-prep, hands-on math and literacy fun (including the snowman subtraction mats)!
More Snowman Fun
Be sure to check out these fabulous snowman learning ideas from some awesome kid bloggers, too!
Exploding Snowman Baggie: Winter Snow Science for Kids // Science Kiddo
Snowman Number Match Printable // A Dab of Glue Will Do
Snowman Subtraction Mats // The Kindergarten Connection
Preschool Snowman Activity Pack // Schooling a Monkey
Snowman Teen Number and Ten Frame Match // Recipe for Teaching
Snowman Alphabet Activity // Mom Inspired Life
Snowball Shooter // The STEM Laboratory
Snowman Writing Paper with Prompts // Liz’s Early Learning Spot
Snowman Pattern Block Mats // Playdough to Plato
Winter Snowman Ten Frame Printable // Fun with Mama
Snowman Sequencing Fun // Sara J Creations
Snowman Sight Word Scratch // Adventures of Adam
Two Digit Number Snowmen // Play & Learn Everyday
Snowman Rhyming Puzzles // Fairy Poppins
Snowman CVC Word Match // The Kindergarten Connection
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Addition and Subtraction Winter Math Mats
I live fetting all your email updates. Have a merry christmas!
So glad you enjoy the emails Jane! Merry Christmas to you as well! 🙂