Subitizing Activities for the Classroom

Learning to subitize small collections helps with multiple mathematics concepts, from counting to early addition strategies.

This activity has students quickly subitize small collections from one to five. The player with the higher number of objects on their card takes both cards being compared.

It is a perfect addition to a math center when looking for a simple game young students can play independently.

To play:

1. Shuffle the cards and split the deck evenly between the players.
2. At the same time, players flip the top card of their deck face up in the middle of the playing area.
3. Players decide which number is the largest. The player who laid down that card takes both cards and places them on the bottom of their pile.
4. Play continues until one player has all of the cards.

Through this activity, students will show they can subitize and compare small collections of objects.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons. 

Use this subitizing game to enhance learning through guided math groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Support students who need help understanding the concepts by giving them concrete materials they can use to match the collections represented on the cards.

➕ Extend the Game

Have students who require an additional challenge pull two cards at a time. They must quickly add the two groups of objects together and determine who has the greater total.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource.

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This resource was created by Kendall Britnell, a teacher in Colorado and a Teach Starter collaborator.