1. Subitizing (soo-bit-tize-ing)
- This is something we do during our number talks in math. We don't use it as a game,but you could easily turn it into a game!
- It is basically being able to look at a group of objects (dots/spots) and know how many are there. You can read THIS article for more information and resources about subitizing.
- How we play in class:
- Show the card three times in short bursts (They only see it for 2-4 seconds at a time). I also look at the card quickly (the same amount of time they have).
- Wait for the kids to think.
- Choose a kid to explain what number they saw and how they saw it.
- ex.) "I saw 10 because I saw 4 on the left, 2 on the bottom, and then 4 on the right. I know that 4 plus 2 plus 4 equals 10."
- If their answer is wrong, that's okay! The important part is being able to explain their thinking and it matches up with the card.
- If you have more than one kiddo, have them explain their thinking OR you could explain how you saw it.
- The goal is to show different ways of thinking.
- Resources:
- I have cards that I use so I will link some resources below:
- Free resources on TeacherPayTeachers (search "subitizing" and choose "free" on the left side, you'll have to scroll down.)
- Number Sense Subitizing
- This one is closest to the cards that I use in class.
- Fall Subitizing
- Ten Frame Flash
- Apple Subitizing
- Non-Standard Subitizing
- Subitizing cards
- Subitizing Ten Frames
- Jack Hartmann (videos and music)
- The kids know that Jack Hartmann is one of my favorite math people for music! The videos show different patterns of dots and give the kids a couple seconds to answer.
- Making your own cards
- You can have your kiddo(s) make the cards themselves!
- Materials:
- index cards/paper plates
- markers/sticker dots (CIRCLES!)
- Directions: Make various patterns of 3 to 12 dots on your plate/index card. It doesn't have to be perfect!
2. Splat!
- This is VERY similar to normal subitizing. The difference is that the kids are given the total number of dots FIRST and have to determine how many dots are UNDER the splat.
- This is a resource created by Steve Wyborney and can be found HERE.
- There are directions included with each set to help you.
- This game is based on, and quite similar, to the regular card game "War."
- Materials:
- A deck of cards
- We take out all the face cards, but you could use them and give each one a value. Something like:
- King = 30 or 3
- Queen = 20 or 2
- Joker = 10 or 100
- Ace = 1
- Directions:
- Addition War
- Subtraction War
- CHALLENGE: Multiplication War
- OPTIONAL: In class, the kids record their numbers and equations as they play so you could also have your kiddo(s) do this while they play.
4. Tic-Tac-Ten Frame
- This idea was sourced from Greg Tang; you can find more resources from him HERE.
- Directions
- You can adjust the number of dice depending on what chart you choose to use.
- The charts are made to be every 10 from 10 to 120.
- You can view a video from Greg Tang that explains how to play HERE.