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Make early subtraction practice fun and engaging with this under the sea-themed activity. Children solve subtraction problems within 10 displayed on starfish and then match each to the correct answer. Perfect for hands-on learning in EYFS, KS1, and Pre-K to 1st Grade.

This activity supports key maths skills including number recognition, counting back, and early subtraction strategies.

Ideal for:

Maths centres and small group work
Independent tasks or early finishers
Intervention and SEND support
Under the sea or summer topic work
Learning Objectives Covered:

UK Curriculum (EYFS/KS1):

ELG: Numerical Patterns – Explore and represent patterns within numbers up to 10, including subtraction
Use concrete objects and pictorial representations to solve subtraction problems
Begin to recall and use subtraction facts within 10
US Common Core (Pre-K–Grade 1):

K.OA.A.1 – Represent subtraction with objects, drawings, or equations
K.OA.A.5 – Fluently subtract within 5 (extendable to 10 with support)
1.OA.C.6 – Add and subtract within 10, demonstrating fluency
This low-prep activity brings maths to life through a fun and familiar ocean theme—ideal for reinforcing subtraction skills in a playful and purposeful way.