Practicing subitizing using tens frames is a great way to help build number sense, especially with K-2 students! Keep reading to see how I use my Tens Frames Printables and Digital Flashcards to practice subitizing with my math intervention students. {There may be a freebie at the end of this post, too!}
What is subitizing?
Subitizing is the ability to instantly recognize the number of objects in a small set without counting. For example, when you roll a die and you are able to instantly recognize that you rolled the number 5 – you’ve demonstrated subitizing!
Subitizing is important because not only does it save time (no need to count every single dot), but it helps students develop number sense. Strong foundational skills will only benefit them as they work on increasingly more complex mathematical ideas.
Ways to practice subitizing using tens frames
When I begin my small group instruction, I do a quick warm-up. With my younger students the warm-up usually includes subitizing practice. Below are some of the activities I use.
1. Flash the tens frames for about 3 seconds. Ask students “how many” dots they saw. Ask, “How did you know?”
2. Flash the tens frames and ask students to display the number of fingers they see on the card. Ask, “How did you know?”
3. Give each student a blank tens frame. Display a tens frames and ask students to place cubes on their blank tens frame to match what they see. Have them explain how they knew how many cubes to place on their tens frame.
4. Give each student a renerek. Display a tens frames and have students build the number on their renerek. Have them explain how they knew how many beads to move.
Digital Flashcards
You can also try these activities digitally! My set includes digital flashcards, which are perfect for a paperless classroom or for remote learning. You can present these flashcards on a Smartboard or present your screen in a virtual learning environment!
Making Combinations of 10 Resource
Click the image below to check out my Tens Frames Printable and Digital Flashcards! Not only can you practice subitizing; teaching ideas are also included for counting forward and backward, comparing numbers, and composing/decomposing numbers. The tens frames are available in a variety of sizes.
And now for a freebie!
Try out these Digital Dot Pattern Flashcards to practice subitizing! You can use many of the same teaching ideas with these cards. Practicing subitizing with many different patterns and small sets of objects will continue to grow your students numeracy and foundational skills!
Happy Teaching!
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