Subtraction Task Cards: Circle Counters
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 34
Coordinating Activities
Circle Counters Subtraction Task Cards
- Subtraction task cards for facts within 10, 2 to a page
- Each card shows a row of red circle counters and a subtraction problem with a box for the answer
Kids use real circle counters to act out each problem, then write how many are left.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Circle counters
- Optional: laminator and dry erase markers
- Optional: a photo box for storage
Standards for Addition and Counting
This circle counter addition activity supports early math standards connected to joining groups, using objects to solve problems and writing equations.
Common Core State Standards: Mathematics
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.OA.A.1: Represent addition and subtraction with objects, fingers, mental images, drawings, sounds, acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions or equations. Kids show each problem with circle counters.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.OA.A.2: Solve addition and subtraction word problems and add and subtract within 10, e.g., by using objects or drawings to represent the problem. Kids use objects to find each sum.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.OA.A.5: Fluently add and subtract within 5. The smaller facts on the cards build quick recall.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics
- PK4.V.B.2: Child uses objects, pictorial models and/or a verbal word problem to represent subtracting objects from a set of 5. Kids build and solve each problem with objects.
- TEKS K.3(A): Model the action of joining to represent addition and the action of separating to represent subtraction. Kids act out each problem with objects.
- TEKS K.3(C): Explain the strategies used to solve problems involving adding and subtracting within 10 using spoken words, concrete and pictorial models and number sentences. Kids write and explain each number sentence.
Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning
- K.CE.1: Model and solve single-step contextual problems using addition and subtraction with whole numbers within 10. Kids model each addition problem with objects.
Circle Counters Subtraction Task Cards give kindergarten kids hands-on subtraction practice as they use circle counters to act out each problem and find out how many are left.
Each card shows red circle counters for the starting number. Kids place real counters on top, take some away and count what is left.
Each card shows a picture of the starting group and a subtraction problem. Kids build the group, take some away and write the number that is left in the box.
Laminate the cards and use a dry erase marker, or have kids write their answers on a recording sheet or whiteboard.
How to Use Circle Counters Subtraction Task Cards
- Print, laminate and cut apart the task cards.
- Kids pick a card and build the starting number with circle counters.
- Kids take away the second number.
- Kids count what is left and write the answer in the box.
Small Group: Solve a few problems together and talk about each step out loud.
Math Center: Set out the cards and circle counters so kids can practice on their own or with a partner.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Task Cards
Every group has a mix of counting, number and fine motor skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Start with the smaller facts.
- Count the starting group together.
- Cross out or slide away each object as you take it away.
- Use a number line to check the answer.
For On-Level Practice:
- Solve each card with objects.
- Say the number sentence out loud.
- Sort the cards by answer.
- Check the answer by counting again.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Solve the card without objects first, then check.
- Write the matching addition fact.
- Make up a story problem for a card.
- Put the cards in order by starting number.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Say the numbers and the number sentence together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Picking up and placing circle counters builds fine motor strength.
- Work on the same set of facts across several sessions.
Circle Counters Subtraction Task Cards Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Morning tubs
- Intervention
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
