Subitizing refers to the ability to quickly and accurately recognize the number of objects in a small set without counting. For example, when a child rolls a four on a dice, the child can recognize four dots without counting 1-2-3-4. When children are able to subitize small sets of objects, they develop a sense of number and quantity that allows them to understand basic math concepts more easily. Such skills help they form the foundation of more complex mathematical concepts such as addition and multiplication. Research has shown that children who have strong subitizing skills tend to perform better in math and have a more positive attitude towards mathematics.
Recommended Age 2-5
Math Skills Recogonizing numbers in dotted patterns (subitizing)
Things Needed Subitizing cards (printable at the bottom of this page)
Game Play
- Print and cut out the subitizing cards (you can have your children cut them out and get some fine motor skill practice. )
- As you or your children cut the cards, show them the card with one dot and say “this is one”, show them the card with two dots and say “this is two”, and continue with the rest of the numbers.
- Between the two cards of each number, keep one card with you-so you can match the one that your children find with the one you have; and hide the other card while your children look away.
- Ask your children to find “one”- this is the time you can sit back and relax.
- Compare the card your children has found, if it matches the card “one” you have, congratulate them and say “you are right, this is one!”. If not, show them the difference between the two cards, and tell them the number of the card they find.
- After card “one”, continue with telling them to find “two”, and then “three”, then “four”.
- Hopefully by the end of the game, you will have enough time to finish your coffee or that book chapter.
Variations
Print out and hide as many copies of each number as you want. The more you hide, the more practice your children will have, and the more sit-back-and-relax time for you!
Variations for different number of players:
The adult will hide, the child will look for the cards.
One child will hide the cards, and the other child look for the cards. Or the adult can hide multiple copies of each number cards, let the children seek.
Divide the children into two groups-one group will hide, and the other group will look for the cards. Or the adult can hide multiple copies of each number cards, let the children seek.
Printable Game Materials
