Here are three differentiated subtraction word problem cards related to the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears for early years:

1. Easy Level: Goldilocks ate 4 bowls of porridge. There were originally 7 bowls. How many bowls are left?

2. Medium Level: Goldilocks broke 6 chairs in the bears’ house. There were originally 10 chairs. How many chairs are left?

3. Hard Level: Goldilocks found 9 beds in the bears’ house. She slept in 3 of them. How many beds are left?

Differentiated Activity: For the easy level, provide counters or objects that the child can physically remove from a set to solve the problem. For example, use 7 counters and have the child physically remove 4 of them to find the answer.

For the medium level, provide pictures or drawings of the objects involved in the problem. Have the child cross out or remove the appropriate number of objects to find the answer.

For the hard level, encourage the child to use mental subtraction strategies or draw pictures to solve the problem. They can draw 9 beds and cross out 3 of them to find the answer.

Remember to provide support and guidance as needed, and encourage children to explain their thinking and reasoning behind their answers.