Subitising Snap brings energy, excitement, and mathematical fluency together in a fun and fast-paced classroom game. Designed to reinforce subitising skills using both standard and non-standard visual formations, this game offers students a memorable way to practise rapid number recognition from 1 to 6 without the need for counting.

Subitising is a foundational numeracy skill that supports number sense, mental maths, and mathematical fluency. When students can identify the number of objects in a set quickly and accurately, they build stronger pathways for addition, subtraction, and place value understanding. Subitising Snap targets these skills through a dynamic, interactive game that students can play in pairs or small groups. It encourages visual pattern recognition, reaction speed, and number comparison – all critical components of early mathematical development.

Each card features a subitising representation using dot patterns, making it perfect for practising quantity recognition in a game format. Students engage socially and cognitively while reinforcing their skills in a highly enjoyable way. This game is easy to set up, adaptable to different learners, and ideal for regular rotation in classroom numeracy activities.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Recognise quantities from 1 to 6 without counting
• ✅ Differentiate between standard and non-standard dot formations
• ✅ Improve number comparison and matching skills
• ✅ Develop quick-thinking and fast visual processing

What’s Included

Full set of subitising cards (standard and non-standard formats)

Instructions for gameplay

Printable card backs (optional)

Materials Needed

Printed and cut subitising cards

Cardstock or laminator for durability

Flat surface for gameplay

How to Use

1. Print and prepare the subitising cards by cutting and optionally laminating them for classroom durability.
2. Shuffle the cards thoroughly and divide the deck evenly between players (2 or more).
3. Players take turns placing one card at a time into a central pile, face up.
4. When two consecutive cards show the same number of dots, all players must quickly place their hand on the pile and call out “SNAP!”.
5. The first player to react correctly wins the pile of cards and adds them to their hand.
6. Continue playing until one player has collected all the cards or until time is called.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use as a maths warm-up to boost mental readiness before a lesson
• 💡 Include in numeracy rotation stations for independent or small group work
• 💡 Pair with a visual timer to add an extra level of challenge and urgency
• 💡 Use only certain numbers (e.g. 1–3) for support groups and the full range for advanced learners

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Print multiple sets in different colours to manage multiple groups at once
• 💛 Store sets in labelled zip-lock bags or pouches for easy access
• 💛 Encourage students to explain why two cards are a match before claiming a win to deepen conceptual understanding
• 💛 Add numeral or word cards to extend the game into number-word recognition

Subitising Snap is a simple yet powerful tool for building confidence, speed, and accuracy with numbers – all while students have fun and stay engaged!