Number Counting - Subitising

About This Worksheet

This worksheet provides a crucial foundation for early number sense. Subitising is a fundamental skill that underpins more complex mathematical concepts. By developing the ability to instantly recognise small quantities, children can focus their cognitive resources on higher-level problem-solving. This worksheet helps children move beyond rote counting and develop a deeper understanding of number relationships. It fosters visual discrimination skills, pattern recognition, and the ability to quickly and accurately assess quantities. These skills are essential for success in mathematics and other areas of learning. Furthermore, subitising promotes confidence in working with numbers and encourages children to engage with mathematical tasks in a more intuitive and efficient way. The ability to subitise reduces cognitive load, allowing children to tackle more challenging problems with greater ease. This early development of number sense sets the stage for future mathematical fluency and understanding, making this worksheet a valuable tool in the Reception classroom.

💡 How to Use This Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to help Reception children develop their subitising skills. Subitising is the ability to instantly recognise the number of objects in a small group without needing to count them individually. Before starting the worksheet, ensure children are familiar with numbers 1-5 and can count objects accurately. Encourage them to look at the groups of objects carefully and try to 'see' the number without counting. If they struggle, suggest they look for familiar patterns, like the arrangement of dots on a dice. After completing the worksheet, discuss the answers as a class and encourage children to explain how they knew the answer.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions