Squirrel and Acorn Math Mats (Addition & Subtraction)

These squirrel and acorn math mats feature addition and subtraction problems.  Printable acorn counters are included.

There are 20 squirrel math mats in this PDF, two to a page, and each mat has one problem next to a squirrel. The first 10 are addition problems with sums up to 23, such as 5 + 7 and 17 + 6. The last 10 are subtraction problems, mostly with two-digit numbers, such as 52 − 36 and 15 − 3. The last page has 25 acorn counters to cut out, and the directions say to place the correct number of acorns on the mat to solve each problem.

Squirrel and Acorn Math Mats

Ways to use it

• Print extra counters: Some problems use numbers bigger than 25 (like 52 − 36 and 50 − 27), so print the acorn page more than once or add real acorns, beans or cubes.
• Start small: Begin with the easier addition mats, like 3 + 4 and 6 + 4, before moving to bigger numbers.
• Count on: Have children put the first number of acorns on the mat, then count on as they add the second group.
• Take away: For subtraction, have children count out the first number of acorns, remove the second number and count what’s left.
• Write the answer: Laminate the mats or slip them into sheet protectors so children can write answers on the line with a dry-erase marker.
• Differentiate: Give addition mats to children who are just starting and the subtraction mats to children who are ready for bigger numbers.