What is Subitising?

Subitising is the ability to instantly recognize the number of objects in a small group without needing to count them one by one. For example, when you roll a dice and immediately know it shows “five” without counting each dot, you are subitising.

Why is Subitising Important?

Subitising is a foundational skill that supports several areas of mathematical development:

• Number sense: It helps children understand numbers, quantities, and relationships at a deeper level.
• Counting skills: Children who can subitise develop more efficient counting strategies.
• Arithmetic: By understanding groups and patterns, children find it easier to add, subtract, and work with larger numbers.
• Problem-solving: Subitising nurtures pattern recognition and quick decision-making, skills essential for tackling more complex math problems.

How to Teach Your Child to Subitise

1. Make It Visual. Start by showing small groups of objects (e.g., toys, counters, or dots) and ask, “How many do you see?” Encourage quick responses without counting.
2. Use Everyday Objects. Mealtime can be a perfect subitising opportunity. For example, “How many grapes are on your plate?” or “How many blocks are in this stack?”
3. Play Games
   • Dice Games: Rolling dice and instantly identifying the number is a fun way to practise perceptual subitising.
   • Card Games: Matching cards with groups of objects can reinforce this skill.
   • Dominoes: Encourage your child to recognise the number of dots on each half without counting

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