Subitize Rock: See It and Say It!

Math Grades 1st Grade 5:23 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn to quickly recognize numbers without counting using dots, ten frames, and fingers! This lesson uses the 'Subitize Rock' song to make learning fun and fast.

Video Resource

Subitize Rock (soo-bi-tize) | Math Song for Kids | Jack Hartmann

Jack Hartmann Kids Music Channel

Duration: 5:23
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Subitizing
  • Number Recognition
  • Visual Representation of Numbers

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify quantities up to 10 without counting.
  • Students will be able to associate different visual representations (dots, ten frames, fingers) with their corresponding numbers.
  • Students will be able to explain what subitizing is in their own words.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about numbers. Introduce the word 'subitize' and explain that it means seeing a group of things and knowing how many there are without counting each one.
  • Watch the 'Subitize Rock' Video (3 mins)
    Play the 'Subitize Rock' video. Encourage students to sing along and shout out the numbers they see.
  • Practice with Dots (7 mins)
    Show students different arrangements of dots (printed on cards or drawn on the board) ranging from 1 to 10. Ask them to quickly say the number of dots without counting. Start with smaller numbers and gradually increase the quantity.
  • Ten Frame Fun (7 mins)
    Use ten frames (either physical ten frames with counters or drawn ten frames) to represent numbers from 1 to 10. Have students subitize the number of counters in the ten frame.
  • Finger Flash (5 mins)
    Show different numbers using your fingers (or have students show each other). Students should quickly say the number of fingers being shown.
  • Wrap-up and Review (3 mins)
    Review the concept of subitizing and ask students to share their favorite part of the lesson. Replay the 'Subitize Rock' song one more time.

Interactive Exercises

  • Subitize Scavenger Hunt
    Hide objects around the classroom in small groups (e.g., 3 crayons, 5 blocks, 2 books). Have students find each group and subitize the number of objects in each group. They can write down the numbers they find on a piece of paper.
  • Ten Frame Matching Game
    Create cards with ten frames representing numbers 1-10 and separate cards with the corresponding numerals. Students match the ten frame cards to the numeral cards.

Discussion Questions

  • What is subitizing and why is it helpful?
  • What are some ways we can show numbers (like dots, ten frames, and fingers)?
  • How can subitizing help us with adding and subtracting numbers?

Skills Developed

  • Number Sense
  • Visual Recognition
  • Rapid Recall

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does 'subitize' mean?

Correct Answer: Seeing a group and knowing how many without counting

Question 2:

How many dots are in this group: ••••

Correct Answer: Four

Question 3:

If you see a ten frame with 5 dots, what number is it?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 4:

How many fingers am I holding up if I show this: Two fingers on one hand and three on the other.

Correct Answer: 5

Question 5:

Which of these shows 3?

Correct Answer: •••

Question 6:

Which helps you learn to subitize?

Correct Answer: Seeing groups of things.

Question 7:

A ten frame has 7 dots. How many more to make 10?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 8:

How many fingers are shown on one whole hand?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 9:

Which one is a ten frame?

Correct Answer: A rectangle with ten spots

Question 10:

What is the goal of subitizing?

Correct Answer: To quickly know how many without counting.

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

When you ________, you know how many things are in a group without counting.

Correct Answer: subitize

Question 2:

A ten _______ has ten spots for dots.

Correct Answer: frame

Question 3:

We can use our _______ to show numbers.

Correct Answer: fingers

Question 4:

If you see ••, that means there are _______ dots.

Correct Answer: two

Question 5:

If a ten frame has all ten spots filled, the number is _______.

Correct Answer: 10

Question 6:

When you subitize, you use your _______ and your eyes.

Correct Answer: brain

Question 7:

Seeing a set, then thinking quick, says the _______ in the set.

Correct Answer: number

Question 8:

Subitizing helps us understand _______ better.

Correct Answer: numbers

Question 9:

If I show 4 fingers, the number is _______

Correct Answer: four

Question 10:

Subitizing helps you think _______

Correct Answer: quick

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6:Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10. Use strategies such as counting on; making ten (e.g., 8 + 6 = 8 + 2 + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14); decomposing a number leading to a ten (e.g., 13 - 4 = 13 - 3 - 1 = 10 - 1 = 9); using the relationship between addition and subtraction (e.g., knowing that 8 + 4 = 12, one knows 12 - 8 = 4); and creating equivalent but easier or known sums (e.g., adding 6 + 7 by creating the known equivalent 6 + 6 + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13). CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.A.1:Count to 120, starting at any number less than 120. In this range, read and write numerals and represent a number of objects with a written numeral. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

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