Have fun learning to subitize dot patterns to ten with our fast-to-prep, engaging math game. This printable card game is ideal for small group math rotations or center work. Students will play with a partner or small group to match numerals to the dots of their board, aiming for 5 in a row.
What is subitizing
When students can subitize, they are able to tell the number of objects in a set, instantly - they don't need to count each item. Most commonly, you can teach students to subitize with dots, ten frames and fingers.
Subitizing Patterns - Standard and Non-Standard
'Standard' dot patter arrangements are those common patterns you see on dice, dominoes and math equipment. Learning to subitize non-standard arrangements is important too and will require your students being able to visualize the common or standard patterns and manipulating them in their mind.
Work with the standard patterns first. Playing board games is often a child's first experience with dot patterns, those on a dice. Play lots of games and specially-made learning games, like this one of ours - 5 in a Row!
Find it here in Google Drive: Roll and Cover Free Game From the Pond
Extend your learners - conceptual subitizing
When your students are confident with the patterns of a particular activity (perceptual subitizing) we encourage you to teach conceptual subitizing. This is where 2 patterns are shown to a student and they can combine them (add them) instantly to know the total. Think of throwing a double 6 in a board game. They would know instantly that this is 12 if they are able to conceptually subitize.
To encourage this in 5 in a Row, ask them to flip 2 cards, and find the total before covering the 2 numbers. They may need to count the total the first few times they play, but with repetition they will know the total of 2 cards, instantly. Play it over and over to give them this opportunity to develop.
Our game 5 in a Row will help teach subitizing to ten with standard patterns. It is a perfect place to start your learners!
Non-standard dot pattern arrangements
We've also prepared something extra for you to extend your fastest learners - and it is FREE today!
Roll and Cover is so easy to prep (just print the page). It will help teach subitizing of non-standard patterns for 1 to 6.
Students roll a standard 6 sided die and place a counter over a matching number (non standard pattern). Playing this will help them bridge the gap between standard and non-standard patterns.
Find it here in Google Drive: Roll and Cover Free Game From the Pond