Subitizing

What is subitizing?

Instant recognition of a number pattern without counting is the definition of subitizing. The pattern can be reconstructed without knowing

the amount. Subitizing helps the children see small collections as one unit. This provides anearly perceptual basis for number, but it is not

yet “number knowledge”.  Humans cannot successfully subitize more that 6-7 items.  For example the number of “pips” on a die is an amount that

can be subitized.  Think about the last time you played Bunco, did you have to count each spot on the dice?  This is subitization.

I didn’t know what this term was until I did some research on the subject.  From everything I read, it is a very important part of a young child’s

development of number sense.  It is recommended that subitizing practice be done in grades K- 3.

There are some dot cards ready to print in this part of my site.    I have some ideas for you in the other documents in this section of my website. 

Great dot cards can be made with paper plates and colored dots.

After you introduce this activity, it would make a great station!  Just put a set of dot cards or ten frames into the station. Place an "I Can..." card in

there with the following activities:

 1.  Show the card to your partner count to 3 and then hide the card.  See if your partner can tell you how many dots.  You can then do all the cards and only count to 2.

2.  Use the materials in the station to make your own set of dot cards. (you can put 3x5 cards and colored dots in the station or use bingo ink markers.

Here are some great resources for subitizing! 

http://teachmath.openschoolnetwork.ca/Subitizing.htm

 http://www.k-5mathteachingresources.com/ten-frames.html

http://naturalmaths.com.au/numblocks/mr_subitization.htm

dot_card_and_ten_frame_package2005.pdf 

dotcards1-12.pdf

subitizing cards.pdf

http://mathelem.sites.fcps.org/system/files/kordeliasGame.pdf

http://guidedmath.wordpress.com/2010/12/15/subitizing-and-guided-math-groups-part-2-why-it-is-so-important/

http://www.poweroften.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=37&Itemid=103