Take subtraction one step further with our engaging Peckish Penguin Subtraction Within 20 Worksheets! This playful and practical resource is designed to help young learners build foundational subtraction skills using visual strategies. With cheerful penguins and groups of fish to count, students will enjoy solving problems while developing fluency with numbers to 20.

Each worksheet provides a visual subtraction scenario where students count the total number of fish, identify how many the penguin has eaten, and complete the number sentence accordingly. This process allows them to physically see subtraction in action and supports a deeper understanding of the concept through imagery and number representation.

Peckish Penguin Subtraction Within 20 is ideal for students who are ready to move beyond numbers to 10 and begin exploring larger sets. These worksheets support a range of learning needs and can be used as part of maths lessons, intervention groups, or independent tasks. With scaffolds like visual cues and space for student drawing, this resource encourages independence and confidence in solving subtraction problems.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Solve subtraction problems using visual representations to 20
• ✅ Complete subtraction number sentences using correct structure
• ✅ Connect real-world images to abstract subtraction concepts
• ✅ Develop fluency with counting back and understanding difference
• ✅ Strengthen number sense through visual and hands-on practice

What’s Included:

• Subtraction worksheets featuring penguins and groups of up to 20 fish
• Each worksheet includes space for number sentence completion
• One blank template for students to create their own subtraction problems
• Student-friendly layout for independent or guided use

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets (paper or card)
• Pencils, crayons or markers for writing and colouring
• Optional manipulatives: counters, ten frames, number lines

How to Use:

1. Students begin by counting the total number of fish (minuend) and writing it in the first blank space.
2. They count how many fish the penguin has eaten (subtrahend) and record this in the second blank space.
3. Students then subtract to find the difference and complete the number sentence.
4. Encourage students to colour or cross out the fish eaten to visualise the subtraction process.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Include in a maths rotation focused on subtraction strategies
• 💡 Use during small group instruction for targeted support
• 💡 Provide with manipulatives for hands-on learners
• 💡 Have students explain their thinking using subtraction language
• 💡 Pair with penguin-themed books or activities for integrated learning

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Encourage students to cross out or colour the fish they subtract for clarity
• 💛 Provide number lines or ten frames for students who benefit from extra scaffolding
• 💛 Use the blank version as an extension or to assess student understanding
• 💛 Display student-created subtraction problems on a class penguin-themed maths wall

Peckish Penguin Subtraction Within 20 Worksheets offer a fun and flexible way for students to build subtraction fluency, making number learning both accessible and engaging with a cute penguin twist!

Check out our matching Penguin Subtraction within 10 and 20 Craft for a creative and crafty way to consolidate subtraction learning!