DotPlateActivities

Dot Plates are a useful resource because they help reinforce the concept of SUBITIZING. Subitizing is the ability to recognize dot arrangements in different patterns, and to quickly discern quantity using this method. Children begin to learn these patterns by repetitive counting which is closely connected to their understanding of the particular number concept. The ability to quickly recognize sets of 10 can help children in counting on (from a known patterned set) or learning combinations of numbers (seeing a pattern of two known smaller patterns). Students can also associate the dot patterns to numbers, numerals, finger patterns, bead strings, etc. Subitizing is a fundamental skill in the development of number sense, supporting the development of conservation, compensation, unitizing, counting on, composing and decomposing of numbers.
 * Why use Dot Plates for Mathematical Activities? **



Dot Plate activity 2.9 (from Teaching Student-Centred Mathematics K-3) Hold up a dot plate for only 1 to 3 seconds. “How many are there? How did you see them? How did you know?” Children like to see how quickly they can recognize and say how many dots. Include lots of easy patterns and a few with more dots as you build their confidence. Students can also flash the dot plates to each other as a workstation activity.

Use the PDF to create a set of dot plates with your class, or use your imagination and create your own patterns (as we have done, see above).