Dot Talks

We have been estimating and subitising groups of objects to help us learn more about number and calculation. Subitising is the ability to look at a small number of objects and instantly recognise how many objects there are, without needing to count. We frequently subitise, estimate and calculate to make decisions and complete tasks, therefore, this is a valuable skill that helps us in our everyday life experiences.

To help us practice this skill, we used a short routine called ‘Dot Talks’.

First, the children were shown a card with a number of dots.

The following questions guide their thinking and problem-solving:

  • How many dots are there?
  • How do you know?
  • How did you count the dots?

Then, they used their whiteboards to document their thinking.

Next, they transferred their thinking onto paper and used coloured pencils to show how they have grouped their dots to make it easier to count.

While documenting the different ways we counted the dots, the children had opportunities to build number sense, articulate their thinking, and appreciate different perspectives.

We created a chart showing all the different ways we counted the dots.

We are learning that number operations can be modelled in a variety of ways.

Other Examples

 

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