Subtraction Haircut Using Sticky Notes

Turn an ordinary sheet of sticky notes into a lively subtraction activity that feels more like play than work. "Subtraction Haircut" is an interactive, hands-on game that helps young learners internalize subtraction facts, practice one-step word problems, and build fine motor skills — all while giving paper "haircuts" to cute classroom characters.

Learning Objectives

• Practice subtraction facts within 10 (or within 20, adjusted by level)
• Strengthen one-to-one correspondence and counting-back strategies
• Improve fine motor control through tearing or peeling sticky notes
• Foster engagement and cooperative learning

Materials

• A pad of sticky notes (any color)
• Marker or pen
• Chart paper or construction paper cut into character heads (circles or simple faces)
• Scissors (optional)
• Small counters (buttons, beads, or erasers) — optional

Preparation

1. Create 6–12 character heads on chart paper, or use individual sticky notes to make faces on a whiteboard or students’ desks.
2. Place a stack of sticky notes arranged vertically above (or around) each head to represent hair. Alternatively, stick a column of sticky notes directly on each head so each note represents one "hair."
3. On the board or on task cards, write subtraction problems appropriate for your learners (for example, 7 − 3 or 10 − 4).

How to Play: Basic Subtraction Haircut

1. Present a subtraction problem to the students (e.g., 8 − 2).
2. Tell them that each sticky note is one strand of hair. Start with a full column of sticky notes representing the minuend (the first number).
3. The students remove (cut/peel off) the number of sticky notes equal to the subtrahend (the second number) to give the character a "haircut."
4. Count the remaining sticky notes together to find the difference (the answer).
5. Repeat with new problems, encouraging students to say the subtraction sentence aloud: “Eight minus two equals six.”

Variations

• Partner Play: One student reads the problem and the partner performs the haircut and explains their thinking.
• Timed Challenge: How many correct haircuts can the student do in 5 minutes?
• Story Problems: Embed subtraction into short narratives, e.g., “Sam had 9 hairs; the barber cut 3. How many left?”
• Reverse Operation: Show the result (the remaining sticky notes) and ask students to figure out which subtraction sentence matches.
• Larger Numbers: Stack more sticky notes or use sticky note strips to represent numbers up to 20.

Differentiation

• For beginners: Use smaller minuends (≤10) and allow counters beside the sticky notes for tactile support.
• For advanced learners: Use two-step problems or ask students to record the subtraction sentences and explain strategies (counting back, making ten).
• Visual supports: Label each sticky note with numerals or dots to scaffold counting.

Assessment Ideas

• Observe students as they explain each step to assess conceptual understanding.
• Have students record a few subtraction problems with drawings of the sticky-note haircuts and the corresponding equations.
• Use quick exit tickets: give a pictured haircut (sticky note column with some removed) and ask students to write the subtraction sentence.

Classroom Management Tips

• Prepare multiple sets of heads and sticky notes so small groups can work simultaneously.
• Keep an example model visible so students can quickly refer back to the routine.
• If using real scissors, supervise carefully or pre-cut the sticky note strips for safety.
• Rotate roles within groups (problem reader, haircutter, recorder) to keep engagement high.

Benefits Beyond Numbers

This activity builds language skills (students verbalize subtraction sentences), social skills (partners negotiate roles), and creativity (students decorate characters). It’s flexible, low-prep, and can be adapted for whole-group instruction, centers, or take-home practice.

Conclusion

Subtraction Haircut is a playful, low-cost strategy that helps children visualize subtraction and practice computation with tactile, memorable actions. For more activity ideas using sticky notes and simple manipulatives, check out easy sticky notes ice cream math activities for kids, which offers creative sticky-note extensions. If you want standards-aligned guidance for subtraction within early elementary, review the related curriculum resource First Grade – Add and Subtract within 10 for helpful benchmarks and skill progressions.