Visit the robot factory where you will mix and match various body parts to build a robot. Each time students correctly answer a question, they collect a new robot part - arms, legs, buttons, eyes and more - to build their very own mechanical creation!

This version focuses on using subitising to identify numbers to 5. Students will look at an image of food items (like apples, strawberries or cupcakes) and determine how many are shown - without counting one by one. This skill is essential for developing early number sense, pattern recognition, and mathematical confidence.

Every correct answer unlocks a robot part and brings students closer to completing their build. Once the robot is fully assembled, it celebrates with a dance party! With new combinations possible each time, students are motivated to keep playing and building while practising their early numeracy skills.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Subitise collections of objects up to 5
• ✅ Strengthen early number recognition and visual grouping
• ✅ Build fluency with numbers through images and pattern exposure
• ✅ Develop foundational maths skills in an engaging context
• ✅ Participate in hands-on, reward-based learning

How to Play:

1. Students are shown a picture featuring a group of food items (e.g. 4 apples).
2. They subitise to identify how many items are shown and select the correct number.
3. Each correct answer adds a new body part to their robot.
4. Once the robot is complete, they watch it celebrate with a dance party!
5. Students can replay the game to build a different robot each time and reinforce subitising skills.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during early numeracy lessons on number recognition and subitising
• 💡 Great for Foundation and Early Years students building number sense
• 💡 Pair with real-life food play or counting manipulatives to extend the learning
• 💡 Include in maths rotations or play-based learning centres

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Let students personalise their experience by choosing from six robot characters before the game begins
• 💛 Select the number of players or teams at the start of the game to suit individual, paired, or group play
• 💛 Send the QR code home for students to play as a homework or revision task

Let’s Build – Subitising Food Images: Numbers to 5 gives early learners a playful introduction to numbers, building confidence and visual fluency one robot part at a time!