Make subtraction meaningful and visual with Hungry Monkey Subtraction Worksheets! These engaging worksheets help students build confidence with early subtraction by connecting number sentences to simple, story-based representations.

Each worksheet features an adorable monkey and a collection of bananas, helping students explore subtraction through clear visuals and concrete strategies. Students either begin with a picture and complete the matching equation or start with a subtraction sentence and draw to represent it. Both formats support comprehension and fluency in a low-prep, easy-to-use format.

Hungry Monkey Subtraction Worksheets are ideal for small groups, numeracy rotations, early finishers, or independent practice. With visual scaffolds and storytelling links, they’re a fun and accessible way to explore subtraction within 10.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Understand subtraction as taking away from a group
• ✅ Represent subtraction equations using visual models
• ✅ Build fluency with subtraction facts within 10
• ✅ Connect mathematical thinking with oral language and storytelling
• ✅ Strengthen fine motor and drawing skills through meaningful maths practise

What’s Included:

• Multiple worksheet options for different approaches to subtraction
• Equations with visual prompts (bananas inside and outside the monkey’s tummy)
• Worksheets with number sentences to represent through drawing
• Blank templates for modelling, custom problems, or group storytelling

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets
• Pencils and crayons or markers for drawing and recording answers
• Optional: banana cut-outs or counters for hands-on practice

How to Use:

1. Introduce subtraction using physical counters or banana visuals to model taking away.
2. Choose a worksheet version: picture-to-equation or equation-to-picture.
3. Students complete the subtraction either by analysing the image or drawing to match the equation.
4. Encourage students to verbalise each subtraction sentence as they work.
5. Use the blank template for custom teacher questions or group work.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during numeracy rotations for targeted subtraction practice.
• 💡 Include in early finisher tubs or morning work routines.
• 💡 Project a blank template for whole-class modelling or group problem-solving.
• 💡 Create a mini-book of completed worksheets to track individual student progress.
• 💡 Link to a jungle theme or read aloud about monkeys to build context for storytelling.

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Use banana cut-outs or small counters as concrete manipulatives before moving to paper tasks.
• 💛 Model drawing clearly and explicitly to support visual learners.
• 💛 Have students read their equations aloud to build oral fluency and number confidence.
• 💛 Encourage students to write or tell a subtraction story based on their completed worksheet.

Hungry Monkey Subtraction Worksheets are a simple yet effective way to make early subtraction fun, visual, and accessible for all learners - building strong foundations in number sense and story-based maths thinking.