Year 2 - Subtraction

Take Year 2 maths outdoors with hands-on lessons that bring subtraction to life, from exploring 10 more/less to mastering two-digit calculations across tens. Through active games, number lines, and natural resources, pupils strengthen mental maths, deepen understanding of number relationships, and develop problem-solving skills in a fun, memorable way.

Lesson Plans

Finding 10 more & 10 less

Take Year 2 maths outdoors as children explore 10 more and 10 less using chalk lines, sponges, and ball-rolling games. Pupils build number sense, strengthen mental calculation skills, and practise addition and subtraction in a fun, hands-on environment.

Learning objective:

To find 10 more and 10 less

Subtracting 1's & 10's

Take Year 2 maths outdoors as children practise subtracting 1s and 10s through number lines, partner challenges, and the ‘Quick Draw’ activity. Pupils strengthen subtraction skills, develop understanding of number relationships, and engage with maths in an active, hands-on environment.

Learning objective:

To subtract 1s and 10s from a 2-digit number

Subtracting 1-digit numbers from 2-digit numbers

Take Year 2 maths outdoors as children practise subtracting 1-digit numbers from 2-digit numbers, focusing on crossing the tens, using natural resources. Pupils strengthen subtraction skills, develop a concrete understanding of number exchanges, and engage with maths through hands-on, interactive activities.

Learning objective:

To subtract a 1-digit number from a 2-digit number. Crossing 10.

Subtracting 2-digit numbers without crossing ten

Bring subtraction to life with this engaging outdoor lesson, where Year 2 pupils will master subtracting two 2-digit numbers without crossing tens using the blank number line method. This hands-on approach strengthens mental maths, applies learning in a practical setting, and builds efficiency in calculation strategies.

Learning objective:

To subtract two 2-digit numbers without crossing tens, using a blank number line.

Subtracting 2-digit numbers

Bring subtraction to life with this active outdoor lesson, where Year 2 pupils master subtracting two 2-digit numbers across the tens boundary through a lively reverse scavenger hunt using natural loose parts. This dynamic approach strengthens mental maths, reinforces subtraction strategies in a practical way, and adds a fun competitive twist to keep learners motivated.

Learning objective:

To subtract 2-digit numbers from 2-digit numbers. Crossing 10.

Solving missing number problems

Turn problem-solving into an adventure with this engaging outdoor maths lesson for Year 2, where pupils tackle missing number subtraction challenges and compare different calculations. Through active exploration, they deepen their understanding of inverse operations, sharpen critical thinking skills, and bring subtraction to life in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Learning objective:

To solve missing number problems.

Before you get started

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