You’ve reached the tomb, and it’s time to get the treasure! In this high-stakes digital game, students must think carefully to decide whether to play it safe or take a risk for the biggest reward. With each correct answer, they unlock a chance to grab treasure – but only the boldest players can bank it all!

In Let’s Steal – Spot the Correct Subtraction Problem: Combinations to 10, students are presented with a visual or numerical prompt and must select the correct subtraction equation that matches the given combination. This game targets early subtraction fluency by encouraging students to connect number facts to visual and mental strategies. It’s perfect for Foundation and Year 1 learners working with number bonds and subtraction to 10.

Whether played independently, in pairs, or as part of a group rotation, this thrilling treasure-stealing adventure brings excitement and strategic decision-making into your subtraction lesson. With visual feedback, multiple attempts, and a balance of risk and reward, learners stay motivated while building accuracy and number confidence.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify correct subtraction problems for combinations that equal 10
• ✅ Strengthen fluency with number bonds and basic subtraction facts
• ✅ Practise strategic thinking and visual reasoning
• ✅ Engage in independent or collaborative mathematical play
• ✅ Boost confidence through gamified subtraction activities

How to Play:

1. Students select their character and choose to play solo or in teams.
2. Each question displays a set of choices for subtraction problems involving combinations to 10.
3. Students identify the correct subtraction sentence that matches the prompt.
4. Correct answers open a treasure chest – students then choose whether to bank the treasure or risk it for a bigger score.
5. The game continues through a series of timed questions and treasure rounds.
6. The team or player with the most treasure banked at the end wins!

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during mental maths warm-ups to reinforce subtraction facts within 10
• 💡 Set up as a maths rotation station focused on number combinations
• 💡 Project on the whiteboard and play as a class to encourage group discussion and reasoning
• 💡 Replay across multiple sessions to track fluency growth and improve accuracy under pressure

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Let students personalise their experience by choosing from six characters before the game begins
• 💛 Select the number of players or teams at the start of the game to suit individual, paired, or group play
• 💛 Send the QR code home for students to play as a homework or revision task

Let’s Steal – Spot the Correct Subtraction Problem: Combinations to 10 makes early subtraction adventurous and high-stakes – will your students bank their treasure or risk it all for the big score?