Foundation how-to blog

How to Teach Foundation Counting and Subitising

Young children learn early number sense best when they can see small amounts quickly and talk about what they notice.

Start with small groups

Show children 3, 4 or 5 objects for just a second, then ask what they saw. This helps them build subitising and recognise quantities without counting one by one.

Use dot cards, ten-frames and fingers to make the pattern visible. Children can compare quantities and explain which group has more or less.

Helpful worksheet links