Subitising numbers to five
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can recognise amounts to five without counting them.
Key learning points
- Know subitising is recognising how many things are in a group without having to count them one by one.
- See regular arrangements of small quantities e.g. a die face.
- Recognise small amounts up to five when they are not in the regular arrangement.
Keywords
Subitise - To subitise means instantly recognizing the number of objects in a small group, without counting.
Amount - A quantity of something.
How many - You ask how many when you want to know the number in a set or group.
Common misconception
Reliance on counting strategies. Not recognising combinations of smaller quantities within 5
Play games involving dice outside of the lesson to encourage subitising of more familiar arrangements. Then, look at those unfamiliar, such as the way a group of cubes appears when dropped onto a table. 'I can see ___ and ___. I can see ___!'
Teacher tip
The slides do not need to be shown to the pupils. They could be printed and used as flashcards to support the development of subitising. Leaving images displayed for too long will encourage children to resort to counting strategies in identifying 'how many' rather than seeing and saying the number.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Say the count. What will be the next number in the count?
Q2.Count the people. How many people are in the group?
Q3.Count the pieces of fruit. How many pieces of fruit are there?
Q4.How many cubes can you count here in total?
Q5.Look at the hands. Which one shows 3 fingers?
Q6.How many counters can you see?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Don’t count - see the amount. How many fingers can you see?
Q2.Don’t count - see the amount. How many leaves can you see?
Q3.How many stones can you see? Don't count - see the amount.
Q4.Don’t count - see the amount. How many counters are in the group?
Q5.Don’t count - see the amount. How many counters are in the group?
Q6.Don’t count - see the amount. How many dots are in the group?
To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Subitising numbers to five, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Subitising numbers to five, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 maths lessons from the Counting, recognising and comparing numbers 0 - 10 unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.