Sometimes you can tell how many things there are without counting. Your eyes just know it!
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
A number you already know
A dice shows 5 dots. You do not count them. You just see 5.
5
There is a word for this.
Subitizing means seeing how many, without counting.
Seeing fast helps you add faster later. First, let’s practice seeing.
It only works for small groups
Past about four, almost nobody can see the amount straight away. Five scattered dots have to be counted. Five dice dots do not, because you learned that picture.
Why seeing fast is worth having
Counting takes one step per object. Seeing takes one step for the whole group. That saved time is what lets you think about the problem instead of the counting.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Look fast, then say how many.
Card 1 of 5
Ready? The card shows for a moment.
Step 3: Watch an Example
See how one card works.
Watch Ana Play
Ana is playing one card. Here is what she does.
- Step 1
Ana taps the button. The dots flash, then hide again.
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
At the Park
Problem 1 of 1
You see 3 ducks by the pond in a line, all at once. How many ducks are there?
Flash Practice
Play a few more rounds on your own. Try to answer before you feel like counting.
Card 1 of 4
Ready? The card shows for a moment.
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 2
Which picture shows 4, arranged so it is easy to see fast?
Question 2 of 2
How many dots? Try to see it without counting.
What You Learned
- You can know how many without counting.
- A shape you know, like a dice pattern, is easy to see fast.
- This is called subitizing.