Subitize to 5 Worksheet

Subitizing 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 kindergarten and first grade.

Subitizing 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 color code (or create their own) to subitize and color 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 math groups
• Lesson warm-up
• Lesson wrap-up
• Fast finishers 
• 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 Google Slides version of this resource. 

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

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