In our Number Safari, today we learn what happens when something becomes less! The minus sign (-) coloring page is the little helper that shows preschool and kindergarten kids that we're taking something away.
Why the minus sign is such an important next step
The minus sign is a very simple, straight line. But this small line has a big job: it shows us that something is being taken away from a quantity. After discovering the plus sign in the Number Safari, the minus sign is the natural next step toward complete math.
Foundation for counting backward and subtraction
The simple shape is instantly recognizable and easy to remember
Paired with number pages, it creates first little math stories
Makes taking away feel tangible and easy to grasp
🖨️ Step by step: how to print it perfectly
Click "Print Now" and set your printer to black & white — it saves ink!
Use thicker paper (28-32 lb) with markers so color doesn't bleed through
Use real objects: lay out two apples, take one away, and count together
Practice counting backward: "three, two, one" helps make sense of minus
➖ Did you know? The minus sign in everyday life
While the coloring happens, it's the perfect moment for a few fun facts about the minus sign:
Only a single horizontal line is needed for the whole symbol
A minus in front of a number shows it's below zero
Math done with minus is called subtraction
When sharing candy, minus helps figure out how much is left
The minus sign has also been used for over 500 years
Minus does exactly the opposite of the plus sign
🎨 Creative tip: the colorful minus
In the Number Safari, math is allowed to be fun! Color the minus sign in your absolute favorite color. Maybe give it small dots or colorful stripes? When you print the page, you can place real objects next to it — like two apples, then taking one away. That makes math feel truly hands-on. ➖
✍️ Writing tip: how to draw the minus sign
Start on the left, right in the middle of the line
Draw a straight horizontal line from left to right
One single straight line — the minus is complete!
🎨 What colors suit the minus sign?
Here are our favorite color ideas for little artists:
Classic blue as the counterpart to a yellow plus sign
Bright pink for an eye-catching math symbol
Multiple colors side by side for a colorful minus
Gold and silver for an extra special math symbol
📅 When does the minus sign coloring page fit best?
Perfect companion to the plus sign before school starts
Ideal for the math corner – free to print again and again
Screen-free entertainment for a gray afternoon
Print ahead of time and pack it for flights, trains or waiting rooms
Your benefits at PureSketchy:
- Thick outlines: Maximum support for preschoolers learning to color inside the lines.
- Free to print: Every page in the Number Safari is available instantly, no sign-up.
- Virus-safe & fast: Instant access to optimized WebP images.
- Thoughtfully designed: Clear symbol shapes for the transition from counting to math.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What age is this page suitable for?
The minus sign is especially suited for preschool kids who already know the plus sign and are now discovering subtraction.
Does the download cost anything?
No, every coloring page on PureSketchy is 100% free for personal use, preschools, and schools.
Which pens work best?
For the straight line we recommend thick crayons or coloring markers.
Are there more math symbols to color?
Yes! Check out the plus sign and the equals sign too.
Is there a German version?
Yes, this page is also available in German as Minus-Zeichen Ausmalbild.