Bug Jar Addition and Subtraction Mats Free Printable
Your kids are going to love these bug jar addition and subtraction mats! They are perfect for spring math activities, spring centers or insect theme activities.

Make learning to add and subtract fun and hands-on with these fun roll it, show it, write it mats. They even give kids practice with writing equations!
Bug Jar Addition and Subtraction Mats
I like to make our math instruction more hands-on and fun while still teaching the standards. These addition and subtraction mats are perfect for that. It breaks up the monotony of worksheets and book work and really makes it engaging and enjoyable.
My son actually asked to keep going when it was time to move on. This is huge!
Related post: Bug Jar Counting Cards and Counting Game
Use regular dice for numbers 1-6 or make your own to work (like I did) and add and subtract numbers 5-10. This is a great way to differentiate the activity for learners at varying levels of ability.
Some might be working on adding numbers 1-3 while others are adding up to 20 and still others could be working on subtraction.
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Setting Up the Math Activity
Supplies Needed:
- Bug Jar Mats – link to download at the bottom of the post
- Dice or foam cubes
- Insect mini erasers
- Permanent marker
- Dry-erase markers
- Write and wipe pockets (optional)
- Print the mats.
- Make dice using permanent marker on foam blocks. I wrote one number from 5-10 on each side of the block. You can use any numbers you want. Or just use regular dice that go from 1-6.
- Slide them into write and wipe pockets. If you choose to laminate, I recommend 5 mil laminating sheets because dry-erase marker comes off of them more easily. Wet-erase markers are also an option.
These are super simple to set up and require no-prep (unless you laminate) which is why I love using them!
Using the Bug Jar Addition and Subtraction Mats
Children will roll one dice and place it in the first box at the top.
Then they will put that many mini erasers or insect manipulatives in the jar.
Next, they will roll the second dice and add that many insects to the jar.
Then they will count up all of the bugs to see how many there are in total.
Finally they will write the equation in the spaces at the bottom of the mat.
This can be done over and over again for any period of time, which makes it perfect for math centers!
I hope your kids enjoy this fun way to practice addition and subtraction!
Even more bug activities for you!
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
Ladybug Life Cycle Wheel // The STEM Laboratory
Bug Puzzles (Beginning Sounds) // Fairy Poppins
Bug Subtraction Cards // The Kindergarten Connection
Ladybug Editable Sight Word Puzzles // A Dab of Glue Will Do
Printable Ladybug Letter Puzzles and Sensory Bin // Fun-A-Day
Simple Outdoor Ant Experiment // Science Kiddo
Ladybug One More One Less Activity // Fantastic Fun and Learning
Bug Jar Addition and Subtraction Mats // Fun Learning for Kids
Counting Ants Math Game // Mrs. Jones’ Creation Station
Insect Theme Prewriting Practice // Stay at Home Educator
I Spy Bugs Sensory Bin // Teach Me Mommy
Insect Printable Sorting Worksheet // Fun with Mama
Bug Counting Clip Cards // Playdough to Plato
Ladybug Counting Cards 1-20 // Powerful Mothering
Butterfly Life Cycle Mini Book Freebie // The Primary Post
Homemade Butterfly Playdough Kit // Sugar Spice and Glitter
CVC Bug Matching Game // Sweet Sounds of Kindergarten
Bug Story Problems // Recipe for Teaching
Bugs: How Many Syllables? // Liz’s Early Learning Spot
Bug Theme Bingo Cards // Schooling a Monkey
Ten Frame Game More and Less // Sara J Creations
Buggy Partner Cards // Simplified Classroom