Number Counting - Subitising

About This Worksheet

Subitising is a foundational skill in mathematics that underpins number sense and arithmetic fluency. This worksheet provides a fun and engaging way for Reception children to develop this crucial skill. By learning to instantly recognise small quantities, children can free up their cognitive resources to focus on more complex mathematical concepts later on. Subitising helps children to understand the cardinality of a number (that the last number counted represents the total number of objects) and to develop a sense of number relationships. This ability to 'see' numbers rather than having to count them each time is essential for developing efficient calculation strategies. Furthermore, this worksheet helps to develop visual discrimination skills, as children need to distinguish between different arrangements of objects. The stars and hearts theme adds a playful element to the activity, making it more appealing and motivating for young learners. Successfully completing this worksheet will boost children's confidence in their mathematical abilities and encourage a positive attitude towards learning. The ability to subitise also supports the development of estimation skills and provides a strong foundation for understanding more advanced mathematical concepts such as addition and subtraction. By mastering subitising, children are better prepared to tackle more challenging mathematical tasks in the future. This early intervention can significantly impact their overall mathematical achievement and enjoyment of the subject.

💡 How to Use This Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to help Reception children develop their subitising skills, which is the ability to instantly recognise the number of objects in a small group without needing to count them individually. Before using the worksheet, ensure children have had some experience with concrete objects and visual representations of numbers 1-5. Start by showing them different arrangements of objects (e.g., dots on a dice, fingers on a hand) and encouraging them to say the number they see without counting. For each question on the worksheet, encourage children to look at the group of stars and hearts and say the number they see immediately. If they struggle, encourage them to look for familiar patterns (e.g., a pair, a group of three). Once they have identified the number, they should circle the corresponding numeral. Provide positive reinforcement and encouragement throughout the activity. If a child is consistently struggling, consider reducing the number of objects in the groups or providing more hands-on practice with concrete materials.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions