Dive deep into early number sense with Subitising Subs – a fun and visual way for students to practise identifying numbers to 10 using a variety of familiar subitising representations.

This underwater-themed resource challenges students to match submarines labelled with numbers to their corresponding representations shown in ‘windows’. Each window displays one of four formats: fingers, ten frames, dice, or tally marks. Learners must carefully examine each submarine and select the matching windows based on their subitising skills.

Subitising Subs supports the development of instant number recognition and visual discrimination by encouraging students to connect multiple representations of the same quantity. It’s perfect for helping young learners make connections between different ways numbers can be represented, which is a foundational step toward understanding number composition and early operations.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Subitise numbers to 10 across different visual representations
• ✅ Recognise and match finger patterns, ten frames, tally marks, and dice patterns to numerals
• ✅ Build number sense and confidence with early numeracy concepts
• ✅ Strengthen visual discrimination and fine motor skills
• ✅ Develop understanding of the relationship between numbers and quantities

What’s Included

Numbered submarines from 1 to 10

Finger representation windows

Ten frame windows

Dice pattern windows

Tally mark windows

Optional recording sheet

Materials Needed

Printed submarines and windows

Scissors and glue or velcro dots

Laminator for durability (optional)

Storage container or labelled envelopes

How to Use

1. Print and cut the submarine templates and their matching windows, including the different subitising representations.
2. Laminating the components is recommended to ensure longevity, especially if the resource will be used multiple times.
3. Display a numbered submarine and provide students with a set of mixed windows. Students must choose the correct four representations that match the submarine’s number.
4. Students can attach the windows using glue, velcro, or simply place them in position if reused for multiple turns.
5. To add an element of accountability or assessment, have students record their answers using the optional worksheet included.
6. Use in small groups, one-on-one sessions, or as a station activity in your numeracy rotations.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use as a warm-up activity where students race to match as many windows as possible in a timed setting.
• 💡 Turn it into a collaborative game by having partners check each other’s matches before gluing them down.
• 💡 Add to your maths centres as an independent challenge activity for students to practise during free time.
• 💡 Use with a small group to focus on one representation at a time (e.g. only matching dice patterns).
• 💡 Extend learning by having students create their own window representations for a given number.

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 For younger students or those needing support, reduce the number of submarines and focus on numbers 1–5 initially.
• 💛 Store each set of representations in labelled zip-lock bags for easy reuse and fast classroom setup.
• 💛 Print multiple sets to allow for group work or simultaneous use across several stations.
• 💛 Encourage students to explain their choices out loud to reinforce their number understanding verbally.
• 💛 Mix in incorrect representations occasionally to prompt discussion and justification of correct matches.

Subitising Subs brings number recognition to life with visual, hands-on fun – building confidence in early numeracy through matching, talking, and playful problem solving!