Subitising Speed Race is an energetic and engaging way to strengthen subitising skills through fast-paced gameplay. Designed to support students in recognising numbers from 1 to 6 without needing to count, this game uses a variety of standard and non-standard dot formations to reinforce quick number recognition in a fun and interactive format.

Subitising, or instantly seeing how many without counting, is a foundational numeracy skill in early mathematics. Subitising Speed Race helps students develop this skill while staying active and focused. Instead of simply looking at numbers or dots in isolation, students are challenged to respond to randomised visual prompts, connect them to quantity, and apply that knowledge to a visual racetrack challenge using counters or manipulatives.

This game is ideal for individual play, partner challenges, or small group work. It can be used in maths rotations, intervention groups, or even as an early finisher activity. With simple materials and clear instructions, this resource supports the development of number sense, one-to-one correspondence, and subitising speed, all within a hands-on, movement-based learning experience.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Recognise quantities from 1 to 6 in standard and non-standard visual formations
• ✅ Develop rapid recall of number representations
• ✅ Strengthen one-to-one correspondence using physical counters
• ✅ Build foundational mental maths and subitising accuracy

What’s Included

Game cards with dot formations (1–6)

Printable racetrack game boards

Instructions for both individual and group play

Materials Needed

Printed game cards and racetrack boards

Plastic counters or small manipulatives

Optional timer for extra speed challenge

Laminator for durability (optional)

How to Use

1. Print and laminate the racetrack game boards and subitising cards.
2. Give each student or pair of students a racetrack and access to a shuffled deck of subitising cards.
3. Students pick up one card at a time, quickly identify the number of dots shown, and place the corresponding number of counters on their racetrack.
4. If playing in pairs, players can take turns or race simultaneously to fill their boards first.
5. The first player to correctly fill all spaces on their racetrack wins the round. Play multiple rounds or change up the formations for added challenge.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use as part of a numeracy rotation station to reinforce subitising skills regularly
• 💡 Run a class tournament and have students compete in timed challenges to build fluency
• 💡 Play in small groups with one student acting as the 'card turner' to foster collaboration
• 💡 Incorporate the cards into warm-up activities by showing a card and asking students to hold up fingers to show their answer

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Print cards and game boards on coloured cardstock to help with group organisation
• 💛 Store sets in labelled envelopes or plastic sleeves for quick access during rotations
• 💛 Add variety by mixing standard and non-standard card types together for a greater challenge
• 💛 Encourage students to talk about the groupings they see – "I saw two and three" – to support part-part-whole thinking

Subitising Speed Race transforms number recognition into a fun and competitive challenge – perfect for building fluency, confidence, and fast-thinking numeracy skills in the early years classroom!