A Fun Subtraction Game for Kids: Skittles Subtraction!

Welcome to the bowling alley! Our free online “Skittles Subtraction” game is a brilliant and exciting way for young children to practice subtraction. If you’re looking for fun maths games that help build a strong foundation in early calculation, you’ve come to the right place!

This game turns abstract subtraction into a concrete, visual activity. Children get to “throw” a bowling ball and watch the skittles tumble! Then, they are challenged to work out how many skittles are left standing. It’s a fun, simple, and powerful way to understand the concept of “taking away.”

How to Play

1. Start with 10 Skittles: The game begins with 10 skittles standing at the end of the alley.
2. Throw the Ball: Click the “Throw Ball” button to send the bowling ball flying!
3. Watch them Tumble: See how many skittles you can knock down.
4. Do the Maths: A question will appear asking you to solve a subtraction sum (e.g., “10 – 4 = ?”). Work out how many skittles are left standing.
5. Check Your Answer: Type in your answer and click “Check” to see if you are correct!

Learning Objectives & Curriculum Links

Skittles Subtraction is a valuable educational tool designed to support key learning goals within the UK’s Early Years (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1) maths curriculum.

• Target Age Group: This game is ideal for children in Reception and Year 1 (ages 4-6). It’s perfect for children who are being introduced to subtraction for the first time.
• Key Maths Focus:
  • Subtraction as “Taking Away”: The game provides a clear visual model for subtraction. Children can see the starting amount (10), see some “taken away” (knocked down), and are left with the final amount.
  • Number Bonds to 10: This game directly reinforces number bonds to 10. By seeing how many skittles have fallen and how many are left standing, children build a strong understanding of pairs of numbers that make 10 (e.g., 4 and 6, 3 and 7).
  • Early Calculation: The game supports the Year 1 curriculum aim to “read, write and interpret mathematical statements involving addition (+), subtraction (–) and equals (=) signs.”

Tips for Teachers and Parents

This interactive subtraction game is a brilliant resource for both the classroom and home learning.

• For Teachers: Use Skittles Subtraction on an interactive whiteboard as a fun whole-class starter or plenary. It’s a great way to introduce a subtraction lesson. Ask questions like, “How many fell down? So how many are left? How do we know?” to encourage mathematical talk. It’s also a perfect independent activity for tablets during a maths station rotation.
• For Parents: This game offers a fun, hands-on alternative to subtraction worksheets. Play along with your child and talk about what’s happening. Counting the fallen skittles and the standing skittles together is a fantastic way to practice number bonds to 10 and build your child’s confidence in a playful way.

Enjoy the game! Don’t forget to check out our other free online maths games for primary-aged children.