SPLASH, GIGGLE, and LEARN. How to set up Car Wash Subtraction

Early mornings with my preschooler are my favorite time of day. He’s in a good mood.  We can be outside before the sun gets to hot.  And I have my morning coffee.

Car wash subtraction is the perfect summer play and learning inspiration.  It’s a casual way to start bringing the idea of subtraction, or take-away, into your child’s vocabulary.

Are you a teacher?  This outside math activity makes a perfect station for water day!  You could set it up indoors too – just make sure there are lots of towels around to mop up the water fun.

Affiliate links

Car Wash Subtraction Activity

Ages: Best for ages 3-6

Learning Objective: Children will orally act out a sim

Vocabulary: scrub, subtraction

Materials Needed for Car Wash Subtraction

• Wide container (Tupperware or water toy )
• Water
• Dirty cars (no batteries)
• Dish soap
• Wash cloth
• Towels

Directions for Car Wash Subtraction Math

1. Set up the car washing station. Put a very small amount of dish soap in the container. Then fill with water. This will create the bubbles.
2. Set the dirty cars next to the container in a row. (Ours played in the sandbox before this activity)
3. Count the number of cars that need to be washed. Place a few in the car wash. Start scrubbing. Show your child how to scrub with the washcloth if needed.

“We washed 3 cars.

10 take away 3 is 7.

We still have 7 cars left to wash.
That’s car wash subtraction.”

4. Repeat counting, subtracting, and washing until all the cars are clean.

• How many cars do we have all together?
• How many cars are clean?
• How many cars need to be washed?

Activity Extension for Car Wash Subtraction:

For advanced learners, let them write several subtraction problems out using chalk on the sidewalk. 10-3=7 Then, have them act out the subtraction problem with the cars and car wash.

FOR EVEN MORE PLAYFUL LEARNING CAR ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS, YOU MAY ENJOY

Letter Matching Roads

Learning about Weight with Cars

Coloring Sorting Car Game

How Many Cars Equals 1 Lb?

Magnetic Car Sensory Bin

Save

Save