Uh-oh! A hungry shark is on the prowl! (Cue Jaws theme.) Here’s a fun, simple, and tasty way to add a little math practice to your beach, ocean, or shark theme. Just print this subtraction mat, slip it inside a page protector, and add some fish crackers!
My 4- and 5-year-olds are at very different levels when it comes to early math skills. My 5 year old can solve a simple subtraction problem on her own, while my 4-year-old is still working on number recognition. Even at different levels, they both thoroughly enjoyed this activity – mostly due to the built-in snack factor!
First, print out the subtraction mat (link at bottom of page) and slip it inside a plastic sheet protector (you could also laminate it). Using a non-permanent marker, fill in the boxes with your chosen subtraction problem. Provide your child with a small bowl of fish crackers and instruct her to place the appropriate number of fish in the sea.
Next, inform your child that the shark is hungry and tell her how many fish to place in the shark’s tummy. Help her count how many fish are left (“the survivors”), and write the answer in the box.
Repeat with new subtraction problems for as long as the activity holds your child’s interest or until you’ve run out of fish crackers.
Print your FREE subtraction mat below:
