Looking for a flexible and engaging subtraction resource that suits all stages of learning? The Swimming Subtraction Within 20 Worksheets are perfect for students who are building fluency with subtraction facts and exploring number line strategies. Whether you’re introducing subtraction, consolidating skills mid-unit, or revising before assessment, these worksheets offer a visually appealing, differentiated option for every learner.

This resource encourages students to apply a range of subtraction strategies while using number lines as a visual scaffold. By drawing jumps or recording steps directly on the number lines, learners can build confidence with mental subtraction, develop an understanding of place value, and apply flexible problem-solving approaches such as bridging tens, jumping back by tens and ones, and counting backwards.

With three levels of worksheets included, you can easily differentiate across your class. Earlier sets focus on basic subtraction facts and small numbers, while the later sets encourage larger subtractions and strategic use of number lines. Students are asked to ‘swim’ backwards along the number line, visualising subtraction as a movement – a great metaphor to support understanding. The fun theme and visual layout are sure to keep your students engaged while they practise key numeracy skills.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Use number lines to solve subtraction problems within 20
• ✅ Apply mental subtraction strategies such as counting back and bridging tens
• ✅ Build fluency with subtraction facts to 20
• ✅ Select and use efficient strategies to solve problems
• ✅ Represent thinking through visual models and jump strategies

What’s Included

• Three sets of differentiated worksheets (early, middle, and extension levels)
• Clearly marked number lines for each problem
• Subtraction word problems integrated with visual supports
• Variety of problems requiring different subtraction strategies
• Answer sheets for each worksheet

Materials Needed

• Printed copies of the worksheets (laminate for reuse or use once for assessment)
• Pencils, markers, or highlighters to record jumps and strategies
• Optional: counters or mini animal figures to model subtraction on the number line

How to Use

1. Select the most appropriate worksheet set for your group or individual students.
2. Introduce the concept of ‘swimming’ back on a number line to represent subtraction.
3. Have students read each subtraction problem and locate the starting number on the number line.
4. Students then draw or record jumps backwards to solve the equation, choosing a strategy (e.g. count back by 1s, jump 10 then subtract extras, bridge 10).
5. Encourage students to explain or label their jumps to reinforce the strategy used.
6. Review as a class or use the provided answer sheet for quick marking or self-checking.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use as part of a subtraction workstation, rotating through levels of difficulty.
• 💡 Display number line strategy posters alongside the activity for extra support.
• 💡 Integrate with a swimming-themed classroom setup or PE activity to make connections across learning areas.
• 💡 Assign as differentiated homework based on current class focus.
• 💡 Use the extension set for early finishers or as an informal pre-assessment task.

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Teach jump strategies explicitly before independent work – use physical movement or floor number lines to reinforce.
• 💛 Encourage students to circle or colour-code their jumps to distinguish between 10s and 1s.
• 💛 Laminate sheets for reusability and add to your maths rotation tubs with whiteboard markers.
• 💛 Use the visual jump strategy as a springboard into more abstract mental subtraction in later lessons.
• 💛 Pair students for collaborative solving to promote maths talk and peer modelling of subtraction strategies.

With movement, strategy, and fun visuals, the Swimming Subtraction Within 20 Worksheets make subtraction accessible and engaging for all learners – helping them dive into success one jump at a time!