Subtraction within 20 Task Cards: Clipping Tickets offers students a delightful way to strengthen their subtraction skills with a dash of drama and hands-on engagement. Set in a playful backyard puppet show, this interactive task card activity encourages learners to solve subtraction equations and physically clip their answers using wooden pegs – making abstract maths concepts concrete and fun.

This resource includes 33 subtraction task cards, each featuring a subtraction equation with three possible answers. Students must carefully calculate the difference, then demonstrate their understanding by clipping the correct answer – their "ticket" into the puppet show. This tactile element promotes fine motor development while reinforcing number facts and problem-solving strategies in a visually appealing, learner-friendly format.

Subtraction within 20 Task Cards: Clipping Tickets can be used in a wide range of settings, including individual desk work, maths rotations, small group stations or as part of a maths warm-up. Whether used as a fun and formative assessment or a hands-on learning centre, these cards make subtraction feel purposeful, visual and engaging.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Subtract numbers within 20 accurately and efficiently
• ✅ Strengthen understanding of subtraction as taking away
• ✅ Improve fluency in basic number facts
• ✅ Develop fine motor skills through physical clipping
• ✅ Build confidence in independent mathematical thinking

What’s Included:

• 33 puppet-themed subtraction task cards (equations within 20)
• Each card includes a subtraction equation with 3 multiple-choice answers
• Colour version and black-and-white version for print flexibility
• Instruction card for students or classroom display
• Optional recording sheet for assessment or student tracking

Materials Needed:

• Printed task cards (preferably laminated for reuse)
• Wooden pegs or clips for student response
• Whiteboard markers (optional for recording sheet use)
• Storage container or zip-lock bags for task card organisation

How to Use:

1. Print and laminate the task cards to maximise durability.
2. Provide each student or group with a set of cards and a handful of pegs.
3. Students read the subtraction equation on each card and solve it mentally or with manipulatives.
4. They clip the correct answer using a wooden peg – like clipping their ticket to enter the puppet show.
5. Optionally, students can also record their answers on the included recording sheet for extra accountability.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use in maths rotations or learning centres as a hands-on subtraction station
• 💡 Great for early finishers who need a purposeful yet independent task
• 💡 Incorporate into a puppet-themed maths unit for a creative cross-curricular link
• 💡 Print the black-and-white version on coloured paper for visual variation
• 💡 Pair with physical counters for students needing additional support

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Store task cards and pegs in small labelled containers for easy classroom management
• 💛 Encourage students to explain their thinking aloud as they choose their answers
• 💛 Use the recording sheet as a formative assessment tool or send it home for review
• 💛 Assign a ‘peer checker’ to review completed cards for an extra layer of learning
• 💛 Reinforce number bonds and inverse operations to support subtraction understanding

Subtraction within 20 Task Cards: Clipping Tickets transforms subtraction into a show-stopping experience – where maths meets imagination and every correct answer earns a ticket to the fun!