Math Subitizing

 

 

Each morning or afternoon the Kindergarten children are working on subitizing. Subitizing is a Mathematical Strategy where one instantly recognizes a quantity without counting. For example, if I roll the pair of dice shown here, I instantly recognize that the 4 and 1 without counting.

 

 

In the kindergarten classroom, I flash cards with that include random dot patterns. The children shout out the number represented by the dots on each card or paper plate. The next challenge will be for the children to volunteer HOW they saw each number. Here's what I mean. If the dot plate or dot card had 3 of one colour and 3 of another, the children can explain I saw 3 red and 3 blue that makes 6, or 2 on top 2 in the middle, and 2 on the bottom. This way the children are not only subitizing, they are also explaining their thinking.

 

Some of the children are beginning to subitize, while others are still counting the dots. With practise all the children will be able do this mathematical skill. This skill assists the children with adding and especially reinforces the use of the "counting on" strategy. Parents can help with this skill at home by playing board games that require two dice. The children will be subitizing, practising their mathematical skills and having fun with their family all at the same time.