Subtraction is a little trickier for our preschoolers than addition. I decided to add an element of fun by creating a Ladybug Chant & Math Game. I made up a chant which you can try with your preschool or kinder children. Our preschoolers had so much fun that they continued to say the chant after the game was over and asked if they could play the game again the next day.
Ladybug Chant and Math Game + FREE Printable:
You will need:
- 1 piece of red construction paper
- 1-2 pieces of black construction paper
- 1 pair of google eyes (or make eyes from paper)
- Scissors
- Round circle to trace such as the end of a glue stick (optional)
- Glue (either white glue or a glue stick)
- Black pen or crayon
- Copy of the Chant
Cut out a ladybug shape from the red piece of paper. If you fold it in half, it is easy to eyeball the shape and cut it out. Cut a head shape, six legs and two antennae out of black paper. Then trace something, such a as a glue stick to get a circle shape. Cut out several circles at a time for a total of 10 from black paper. Glue the legs to the back of the ladybug. Glue the antennae to the back of the head. Glue the head onto the body. Glue the google eyes onto the body. Use the dots for the chant. Do not glue the dots.
Chant:
Ladybug, Ladybug, you’ve got spots!
How many spots have you got?
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10! (Children, or one child at a time points to and counts spots)
Just for fun, let’s take away 1. (One child at a time takes turns removing a spot)
10 – 1 = 9! (Instructor holds up 10 fingers and puts down 1 so that children can count if they don’t know the answer. Pause between 10 – 1 = ? so they can figure out the answer)
Ladybug, Ladybug, you’ve got spots!
How many spots have you got?
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9!
Just for fun, let’s take away 1!
9 – 1 = 8!
Continue this chant until you reach 2 – 1 = 1.
Then:
Ladybug, Ladybug, you’ve got a spot!
How many spots have you got?
1!
Just for fun, let’s take away 1.
1-1 = 0
Ladybug, Ladybug, you’ve got no spots.
Just for fun, we’ll give you some.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10! (Have children place spots back on the ladybug).
More ladybug themed activities for #playfulpreschool this week
Ladybug Science Experiment – The Educators’ Spin On It
Ladybug Prepositions Play – Rainy Day Mum
Ladybug Roll and Cover Math Game – Mom Inspired Life
Three Part Ladybug Counting – Tiny Tots Adventures
Ladybug Chant and Math Game – Capri +3
Seashell Ladybug Craft – Still Playing School
Ladybug Garden Rocks – Powerful Mothering
Crayon Resist Cupcake Liner Craft – Fun a Day
Cerys Parker says
Fantastic and I love the chant. I know what we will be doing this afternoon.
Theresa says
Thank you Cerys.
I hope you enjoy.
: 0 ) Theresa
Danielle Buckley says
I LOVE the chant! So fun and a great way to work on subtraction!
Theresa says
Thank you Danielle!
: 0 ) Theresa
Nicolette Roux says
This looks like a ton of fun! and my kids so love things with dots
homemadeexperience.com says
Although I enjoyed math at times because I like solving problems, I think I could've used a game to make it more fun, and I'm sure the babes would love that too when they're older! Thanks for sharing :).
Bree Talks says
This is perfect for my daughter and so easy. Plus I love incorporating catchy songs in with learning. Thanks so much for sharing! She'll love doing a craft together and I'll love doing math together. 😉
Theresa says
Thank you Nicolette.
: 0 ) Theresa
Theresa says
Thank you Homemade Experience.
I could have used more fun games for math at this age too. It takes the 'work' out of solving problems.
: 0 ) Theresa
Theresa says
Thank you Bree Talks.
I hope you and your daughter have fun with this.
: 0 ) Theresa
onlyashes85 says
This is super cute!! I'm debating about homeschooling eventually. Things like this make it seem like it would be extra fun! You're so creative 🙂
Growing Book by Book says
Oh I love this! Chanting and singing is such a wonderful way to learn. Can't wait to do this with my kids.
Theresa says
Hi Onlyashes85.
Thank you! You could always try this and other activities on a weekend or break time and see how you like it.
: 0 ) Theresa
Theresa says
Thank you Growing Book by Book!
I hope you and your kids have fun with this.
: 0 ) Theresa
Natasha Johnson says
Love the chamt. Will be singing this.
Theresa says
Thank you Natasha!
: 0 ) Theresa