Rolling Into Home

Number recognition and subitizing are two beginning skills that are precursors to more complex math concepts. Subitizing is when you can quickly county without actually counting. (Like how we know 4 dots is 4 on a die.) Number recognition is when you can quickly recall a number. By these skills being automatic, it leaves more brain power available for the problems at hand.

To practice this we set up a large piece of cardboard with some numbered Hot Wheel cars (we put stickers on top of the cars numbered 1-10), and 10 Frame cards. Check out our 10 Frames here. We put 1 ten frame at each parking spot and then worked to drive the cars and park them in their correct spots.

Like most activities, I let them have a bit of free play at the start. Then I slowly add some directives, usually with some leading questions. Beginning questions could include, “Hey, I notice there are numbers on top of the cars, what should we do with those?” And then later, “Do you think you can park the cars in their homes?”

The first half of the cars they will probably park by counting every single dot on the ten frames. After some independent play, whisper if they wanted to know a secret. 

They help them figure out how many spaces where there total. (10). Then you can show & say, “Look, there are 2 rows. So, if you cut 10 in half you get? (5). So, if the whole top row is filled, you know there are 5.”

You might be surprised at how quickly they can pick this up! This might look like quickly parking the #5 cars. Later you might see them quickly able to identify #6 without counting!

You can also add a ramp or other levels for additional more fun to the activity. Later you can ask if they think they could send the cars down in order. What a great way to check and practice number recognition and subitizing.