Subitising to Five Worksheet

Subitising is the ability to quickly and accurately identify the number of items in a small group without counting them individually. It is a fundamental aspect of mathematical development covered in the first years of schooling. 

Subitising is considered to be an important precursor to more advanced mathematical concepts such as counting and addition. It is the ability to ‘see’ a small number of items and instantly know how many there are without counting them one by one.

With this worksheet, students will use a colour code (or create their own) to subitise and colour the squares on the worksheet accordingly.

An answer key is included with your download to make grading fast and easy!

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding  

In addition to individual student work time, use this worksheet as a:

• guided maths groups
• lesson exit ticket
• fast finisher activity
• homework assignment
• whole-class review (via smartboard).

Encourage students who need more of a challenge to write the numeral in each box alongside the objects.

Place the worksheet in a write-and-wipe sleeve and first have students mark off the objects one by one. Then remove the worksheet from the sleeve and encourage students to recall the numbers they came up with during their first pass-through.

Easily Download & Print

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

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on cardboard and slipping it into a write-and-wipe sleeve. Students can record their answers with different coloured whiteboard markers, then erase and reuse.

This resource was created by Kendall Britnell, a Teach Starter Collaborator.