What this worksheet helps children practise
Separate movement on the paper from the change in number. Moving right can still mean subtracting two. At the turn, ask the child to point to the next box before calculating. Return to the last correct printed clue after a mistake instead of restarting the whole activity. Pipo, the sled, and the igloo tell the story; they are not objects to count. Allow a short break between the long path and the three practice sequences if needed.
Counting backward by twos means keeping an equal step while the numbers get smaller. Children recognize even numbers through twenty and connect each jump with subtracting two. Reciting the familiar forward sequence is not enough: after eighteen, the next number is sixteen. The arrows show where to read next on the page. An arrow pointing right does not mean add; the printed minus-two rule determines what happens to the number. For a related skill, use Increasing and decreasing number patterns to 40: Find the rule: +2, −2, +3, −3, +4 or −4. Fill the three empty boxes.
Preparing a short session
Have a pencil, an eraser, and up to twenty counters available. Print at actual size to preserve the writing spaces. Introduce Pipo’s journey, then read the example 10, 8, 6 together. Check that the child recognizes the numbers already printed on the path. Keep the answer key separate until the activity is finished. A finger or small token can mark the current box, especially where the path turns down and changes direction.
A concrete example to get started
The worked example starts with 10, then shows 8 and 6. Taking two away from ten leaves eight; taking two away from eight leaves six. Use ten counters and move two aside each time. Ask how many remain before returning to the printed example. The long path uses exactly the same rule: twenty, eighteen, sixteen. Children may count back two single steps quietly before writing. The goal is a reliable strategy, rather than a fast recital of memorized answers.
Supporting the activity
Start at the upper left of the path. Move right along the top row, follow the arrow down on the right, then move left across the second row to reach zero and the igloo. Every arrow is marked minus two. The three short rows below are separate sequences, all read from left to right. Their first two numbers and final number are given. Fill the two middle spaces, then check the jump into the final printed number as well. To vary the practice, try Skip Counting by 2s to 20: Count the socks in pairs, then complete the number sequences.
What to notice and how to check
The full path is 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0. Its six missing numbers are 16, 14, 10, 8, 4, and 2. The bottom rows need 12 and 10; 10 and 8; then 6 and 4. Check both sides of each completed box. If a child writes seventeen after eighteen, only one has been taken away. Demonstrate two small backward steps or remove two counters, then let the child correct the answer.
Making the task easier
Begin with 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0 using counters. An adult can write answers given aloud before the child tries filling boxes independently.
Keep the learning aim, but reduce how much the child has to handle at once. Cover part of the page with another sheet and reveal one task at a time. Demonstrate a separate example, then leave a real opportunity to work something out. An answer reached with support is still a useful attempt; it does not yet show that the same task can be completed independently.
Taking the idea beyond the worksheet
Cover the answers and read the route in reverse, from 0 to 20 by adding two. Discuss how adding two undoes taking two away.
Use the follow-up to meet the same idea in a different setting. Offer it once the first task makes sense, without insisting that the whole page must be perfect. The child might explain a strategy, make an example or set a challenge for an adult. Return to the worksheet only when it helps connect the two situations. A short conversation or a practical activity can be enough to finish the session. To continue exploring, use Skip counting: find the rule for 2s, 5s and 10s: Circle +2, +5 or +10. Fill in the three empty cars.
Downloading and printing the PDF
This free PDF contains one worksheet designed for A4 paper. Download the file using the button on this page and open it in your PDF reader. Choose actual size or a 100% scale, check the orientation in the print preview and turn off any browser headers or footers. The illustrations use vector lines, so their outlines stay sharp when printed. Check the margins on one copy before preparing several sheets for a group. The level shown on the page is a guide, rather than a requirement to complete the activity at a particular age.