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Bug Subtraction Cards

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Subtraction can be a difficult concept for children to grasp. It may seem simple to some that when something is “taken away” then there is something leftover, but what helps even more is having a visual! To visually see an object being removed or “taken away” definitely helps children understand the concept of subtraction. These adorable and free Bug Subtraction Cards are the perfect tool for children to practice subtraction!

*Pair with our Subtraction Centers and Activities for Pre-K & Kindergarten!

Grab these free Bug Subtraction Cards and add some hands-on, insect-themed fun to your Kindergarten math centers and small groups!

Bug Subtraction Cards

I would suggest using these Bug Subtraction Cards in Kindergarten and 1st grade. You can use them as a stand-alone math center or pull kids for small group work. If you have kiddos that are still working on addition then be sure to grab our Bug Addition Cards!

I like to laminate the cards so they are more durable and last longer. It also gives children a chance to use dry erase markers, which always makes them extra excited to get down to work!

Laminate the bug subtraction cards and students can use dry erase markers to write.

How to Play

Children will begin by picking a bug card and counting the total number of spots on the bug. This is the number that goes in the first box of the math equation.

Once he/she has the starting point for the math equation, they will then count how many spots on the bug are crossed out.

This is the number that is being “taken away.” This number goes in the second box of the math equation.

Students count how many total spots are on the bug and write it in the first box.

To find the answer, simply count how many spots are remaining on the bug.

The remaining number of spots on the bug is the number that is written in the final box of the math equation.

Students write how many spots are crossed out in the second box and the remaining number of spots in the last box.

Tips for additional play:

  • Encourage children to use different colored dry erase markers for each part of the equation.
  • Work in pairs. Children take turns pulling a bug subtraction card from a small basket and completing the equation. Partners “check” each other’s work.

Grab Your FREE Copy

Ready to start subtracting with bugs? Grab these free Bug Subtraction Cards by clicking the large, yellow download button at the bottom of this post!

Even More Bug-Themed Fun

Looking for more bug activities? You will love the ones some of my favorite kid bloggers and I are sharing! Check them all out below.

Such fun bug activities for kids! Perfect for spring centers!

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Ladybug Life Cycle Wheel // The STEM Laboratory

Bug Puzzles (Beginning Sounds) // Fairy Poppins

Bug Subtraction Cards // The Kindergarten Connection

Ladybug Editable Sight Word Puzzles // A Dab of Glue Will Do

Printable Ladybug Letter Puzzles and Sensory Bin // Fun-A-Day

Simple Outdoor Ant Experiment // Science Kiddo

Ladybug One More One Less Activity // Fantastic Fun and Learning

Bug Jar Addition and Subtraction Mats // Fun Learning for Kids

Counting Ants Math Game // Mrs. Jones’ Creation Station

Insect Theme Prewriting Practice // Stay at Home Educator

I Spy Bugs Sensory Bin // Teach Me Mommy

Insect Printable Sorting Worksheet // Fun with Mama

Bug Counting Clip Cards // Playdough to Plato

Ladybug Counting Cards 1-20 // Powerful Mothering

Butterfly Life Cycle Mini Book Freebie // The Primary Post

Homemade Butterfly Playdough Kit // Sugar Spice and Glitter

CVC Bug Matching Game // Sweet Sounds of Kindergarten

Bug Story Problems // Recipe for Teaching

Bugs: How Many Syllables? // Liz’s Early Learning Spot

Bug Theme Bingo Cards // Schooling a Monkey

Ten Frame Game More and Less // Sara J Creations

Buggy Partner Cards // Simplified Classroom

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Mandy
MissMaesDays.com is the creation of Mandy Mae; wife, mother, teacher, and frugal-DIY-enthusiast. Hoping to inspire others to take action in making a positive influence in the lives of children with simple DIY, crafting, thrifting, and teaching projects, Mandy enjoys sharing both her successes and hiccups with easy-to-follow tips & tutorials.
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About Mandy

MissMaesDays.com is the creation of Mandy Mae; wife, mother, teacher, and frugal-DIY-enthusiast. Hoping to inspire others to take action in making a positive influence in the lives of children with simple DIY, crafting, thrifting, and teaching projects, Mandy enjoys sharing both her successes and hiccups with easy-to-follow tips & tutorials.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. savita

    February 16, 2022 at 10:56 pm

    Our kids loves this bug subtraction cards , It it good and effective learning method, and enhance creativity.

    Reply
  2. priscilla sammut

    April 4, 2021 at 10:10 am

    great resource. Keep up the good work

    Reply
  3. Sanjay

    July 7, 2020 at 10:26 pm

    Hey very nice information ..
    We can use them as a stand-alone math center or pull kids for small group work. I like to laminate the cards so they are more durable and last longer. It also gives children a chance to use dry erase markers, which always makes them extra excited to get down to work!

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Michelle

      July 8, 2020 at 6:29 am

      Sanjay,

      Great tips! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Hope M

    March 17, 2019 at 1:48 pm

    What a great resource! Thank you so much!

    Reply
  5. VGupt

    October 22, 2018 at 8:19 am

    I think these cards can be used at home also when parents start teaching their children. As these have lot of images, this will keep the child entertained and busy

    Reply
  6. P Phani.

    August 17, 2018 at 3:46 am

    Subtractions cards looks amazing. Kids love colorful worksheets. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
    • Mandy

      August 17, 2018 at 11:42 am

      Thank you!

      We are happy to hear that your kids are enjoying the Bug Subtraction Cards.

      Have a great school year!

      Reply
  7. paulette

    April 22, 2018 at 9:54 am

    I like the cards . In the next two weeks I will be introducing Subtraction to my Kindergarteners. The cards will come in handy for follow up exercises.

    Reply
    • Mandy

      April 23, 2018 at 12:21 pm

      Hi Paulette,
      We are so happy to help! Have fun teaching subtraction to your kiddos!

      Reply

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Through the Print and Play Club, her Instagram community, and easy prep classroom resources, Alex shares her love of resources and activities that promote playful learning with other Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers around the world.

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