Once children develop good subitizing skills with the numbers 1-5, we can invite the children to play with math concepts and develop increased fluidity with the numbers 1-5.
The 5 Frame
Materials needed: One 5 Frame and Cards pdf (the 5 Frames printable is a separate download above), scissors, and Wikki Stix.
Prior to the activity: Invite the children to create balls or spirals from strands of Wikki Stix to serve as counters for the 5 frame activities.
Cut the individual 5 Frames apart and set out on a tray or table along with the Wikki Stix. Invite the children to cut out the number cards 1-5 and place them face down in a pile. Have the children draw a card and place the corresponding number of Wikki Stix created balls within the 5 Frame.
Story problems: To develop mental math, use everyday story problems with the children based on the anchors of 5 and 10. For example: Robert had 5 markers on the table. Stacie took 4 of them. How many markers did Robert have left? Invite the children to think of their own stories (story problems) based on the anchors of 5 and 10. The children can then use Wikki Stix and pony beads to create the number sentence for their story problems (see photo below for an example).
The 10 Frame
When children are able to manipulate the numbers 1-5 with consistency, combine two 5 Frames to help the children visualize the number 10 anchor.
The problem below (ex: 10-5=5) is very familiar to children who have good subitizing skills and 5 Frame awareness!
The same problem can be viewed in this manner (10-5=5).
When young children thoroughly understand 5 Frames and have good subitizing skills, they will
be able to solve the problem even if it looks different within the 10 Frame.
10 Frame practice and Number Cards
The 10 Frames can be used in the same manner as the 5 Frame activities above.