Subtraction from 5 – Cards

Help children develop their understanding and recall of subtraction facts to 5 with these practical subtraction cards. The cards provide children with repeated opportunities to model and solve simple subtraction calculations using concrete resources. The subtraction cards can be laminated and cut into strips, creating a reusable resource that can be used as part of a focus group activity or continuous provision. Children can work through the calculations at their own pace, with adult support provided where needed. Provide each child with 5 counters or small objects to help them represent the starting quantity. Children can physically remove the required number of counters before working out how many are left, helping them understand the relationship between the practical action and the subtraction calculation. Once children have solved the calculation using the counters, they can complete their answer using a whiteboard pen. This makes the activity easy to reuse and allows children to practise the same subtraction facts repeatedly. Children can practise: Subtraction facts to 5 Counting accurately within 5 Taking away objects from a group Finding how many are left Using concrete resources to solve calculations Connecting practical subtraction with written calculations Developing early number sense Building confidence and fluency with subtraction The cards are particularly useful for children who benefit from a hands-on approach to maths. Encourage children to physically move the counters as they subtract, then gradually reduce their reliance on the concrete objects as their understanding and recall develops. Adult questioning can support mathematical reasoning with prompts such as, “How many counters did you start with?”, “How many did you take away?” and “How many are left?” For an additional challenge, ask children to solve a calculation without the counters and then use the objects to check their answer. You could also ask children to create a related addition num