Free Printable Subtraction Poster
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Are you teaching young kids about subtraction? When kids are learning, it helps to frame the problem in terms of their experience. You have 5 sweets, you give one to your friend, how many sweets are left? These single number problems can be worked out using fingers. For more complex sums, we have a subtraction poster available to download here.
Giving children access to a reference and plenty of practice early in their education allows them to build confidence and retain the information. They can then apply the rules to other situations and master increasingly complex arithmetic, according to their abilities.
Children learn at different rates and in different ways. Wider access to a range of materials gives more opportunities for children to truly understand the process.
The Arithmetic Journey
To build confidence in subtraction, children should first practice skills like number recognition, pattern recognition, and addition.
For extra practice, you can download our printable subtraction chart and worksheets here.
We also offer free resources perfect for kids who need early-stage arithmetic practice. Our Maths for Reception worksheets are available to download here.
For children ready to tackle more challenging sums, the printable subtraction poster is a great tool—grab it here.
Subtraction Poster Details and Uses
This colourful, easy-to-read resource can help children as they begin to memorise basic subtraction sums. The bright colours are eye-catching, but not distracting. This allows the numbers to be the sole focus of the poster.
The poster includes sums for the numbers 1-12. From 1-1 to 24-12 and everything in between.
Uses of the Subtraction Poster
Once you’ve downloaded your subtraction poster, there are so many creative and effective ways to use it. Whether you’re in the classroom or working with your child at home, this poster isn’t just a handy reference—it’s a bright, engaging visual tool that brings maths to life!
Start by printing it out in A4 size and laminating it for durability. You can display it on a wall at the child’s eye level, where it’s easy to spot and read throughout the day. If you prefer, tape it flat to a desk or table where children work so it becomes part of their learning environment. In a classroom, you might want to print it in a larger format such as A3 or even bigger using your printer settings. A larger version makes it easier for children to read from across the room. The more they see it, the more likely they are to absorb the information naturally.
This subtraction poster isn’t just about solving equations. It’s also a great way to teach patterns in subtraction. You can use it to walk through sequences like 12 minus 1 equals 11, then 11 minus 1 equals 10, and so on. Showing subtraction as a step-by-step process helps kids understand number relationships and builds confidence through repetition. If you’re interested in the concept behind subtraction, you can read more about it here.
To make learning more interactive, turn subtraction practice into a game. For example, write subtraction problems on flashcards. Each correct answer earns a point, and the child with the most points wins. You can switch it up by using playing cards, Jenga blocks, or jigsaw puzzle pieces with sums written on them. While kids are still developing their skills, they can refer to the poster for support. This helps reinforce their learning in a low-pressure way.
As children grow more confident, they’ll rely less on the poster and more on their own mental maths skills. This independence is an important step in their learning journey. Strong numerical skills not only support academic success but also lay the foundation for logical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world decision-making.
By using this simple subtraction poster as part of your learning routine, you’re helping children build lifelong maths confidence one sum at a time. If you enjoy fun and creative printables, be sure to check out our 10 Printable Road Trip Scavenger Hunt at Just Family Fun—it’s another great way to keep kids entertained and engaged!
Using With Other Free Resources
