Subitizing is the ability to recognize numbers without counting. Dot cards can contribute to children’s understanding of number
concepts, counting, composing and decomposing numbers, and a variety of
standards.
Hint! Start with dot patterns up to 6 and then extend it to 10 when they are ready.
*Make sure to download dot cards on card stock or heavy paper.
One to One
Children match up pompoms, beans, erasers, pebbles, and other
small objects with dots on cards.
Dot Flash
The teacher quickly holds up a dot card and then places it face
down. The children hold up that
number of fingers on their chest.
Ask, “How did you know it was that number?”
Clip It
Children use the appropriate number of paper clips or clothespins
to attach to the dot cards.
Copy Cat
The teacher holds up a dot card. The children try to reproduce the pattern with their own
counters.
Sorting
Sort dot cards by amount.
Sort odd and even cards.
Line Up
Students line up the dot cards in numerical order from largest to
smallest or smallest to largest.
Matching
Match dot cards with dots on dice.
Match dot cards with ten frames with the same amount.
Make puzzle games where children match dots with numerals or
words.
Partner Count
Cards are placed face down on the table. One card is turned over and the first child to say the
number gets to keep the card. The
partner must count the dots to verify it’s correct.
*To make the game more challenging, ask them to say one more than
the quantity of dots, one less, two more, etc.
Memory
Run off two sets of dot cards. Place them face down on the floor. One child at a time turns over two cards. If the cards match they make keep them
and take another turn. If the
cards don’t match, they are turned back over and the next child takes a turn.
Top It
You will need several sets of dot cards for this game. Shuffle the cards and lay them face
down in a pile. One child at a
time chooses a card. The child
with the largest number of dots wins both cards. If they turn over the same amount they continue to draw
cards until one player has a higher number.
In Between
Shuffle dot cards and place them face down on the table. Each child chooses two cards and lays
them in front of them. Another
card is selected. If it fits
between their two cards they get a point.
(Use tally marks to keep score.)
Place the cards on the bottom of the pile and continue the game.
It Adds Up
Two children have a set of cards and face each other. They each turn over a card and add up
the amount. The first child to
correctly say the answer gets to keep the cards.
*Tally to keep score.
Paper Plates
How about making some dot plates?
Whew! I think
you’ve got the idea!!!
