Help your students build confidence in subtraction with this engaging Easter-themed activity. This hands-on resource encourages students to practise the counting-back strategy and is ideal for use in small group rotations or during a mat session.

How to Complete

1. In addition to the themed activity mats and problem cards, this resource also includes a colour recording mat and a black and white recording worksheet for evidence of students’ learning.
2. Print the basket mats and egg cards on thick card for durability. Cut out the egg cards. If using the coloured recording mats, place them in a write and wipe sleeve for use with a dry-erase marker.
3. To complete the activity, students will select an egg card and solve the problem by using the subtraction strategy of counting back. Ensure they identify the first number in the problem and use the jelly beans to help them count back.
4. Once students determine the difference, they need to place the egg onto the correct basket mat.
5. Students can then write the number sentence and answer on their recording mat or worksheet.
6. Students will continue solving the subtraction problems until all the eggs have been placed on an Easter basket.

Additional Tips

1. To make the task more hands-on, provide small manipulatives to assist students in solving the problems, such as counters, pom poms or play dough.
2. To enhance the Easter theming, provide jelly beans, mini Easter eggs, Easter themed erasers or small chicks for students touch and count back to find the answer. If using food items, be sure to check for any allergies.

Extension Ideas

1. Word Problem Connections: Encourage students to write a short Easter-themed word problems for one of their equations.
2. Make It Interactive: Spread the basket mats out on tables or on the mat and hide the eggs around the classroom. Have students hunt for the eggs and solve the problems before placing the eggs on the correct basket mats!

This activity is a must have for teachers looking to bring Easter fun into the classroom while reinforcing early subtraction skills.

Check out our other amazing Easter resources!