Gear up and get ready to defend! In this exciting digital game, students protect their base by identifying the correct subtraction problem. Each correct answer activates a defensive move, helping them stop the invaders before they reach the base!

Students will be shown two subtraction equations and must choose the one that is correct. For example, they might see: 7 – 3 = 4 and 7 – 2 = 4 and need to select the accurate number sentence. This game is perfect for reinforcing combinations to 10 and helping students build early fluency with subtraction facts through visual reasoning and repeated practise.

The fast-paced nature of the game, combined with colourful visuals and risk-reward gameplay, keeps young learners engaged while strengthening their understanding of part-part-whole relationships and subtraction strategies.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify correct subtraction facts within combinations to 10
• ✅ Develop early fluency with subtraction number sentences
• ✅ Strengthen part-part-whole understanding and basic number relationships
• ✅ Build confidence with number facts through engaging gameplay
• ✅ Participate in interactive, fast-paced maths learning

How to Play:

1. Students are presented with two subtraction equations.
2. They select the correct number sentence based on their knowledge of number facts.
3. A correct answer activates a defence move to block incoming invaders.
4. If answered incorrectly, the invaders move closer to the base!
5. The game continues until all questions are completed and the base is safe—or not!

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during subtraction lessons for fluency practice and quick recall of facts to 10
• 💡 Great for Foundation–Year 1 students developing number confidence
• 💡 Pair with concrete materials or tens frames to support understanding
• 💡 Use in numeracy rotations to provide engaging revision and practise opportunities

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 Defend – Spot the Correct Subtraction Problem: Combinations to 10 builds early subtraction skills in a playful, purposeful way—turning maths practise into an energetic mission to save the base!