Dots can make patterns you know, like on a die or a domino. Four dots make a square. Five dots are four corners and one in the middle!
Key idea
Dot patterns and five frames help you see a number without counting one by one.
Worked example: A five frame
A five frame has 5 boxes. 3 are full. How many are empty?
- Count the empty boxes: 1, 2.
- 3 full and 2 empty.
Answer: 2 empty
For the grown-up: Play a board game with a die. Your child will learn the dot patterns by heart. Draw five boxes on paper and fill some with buttons: “How many full? How many empty?” A few problems on the screen is plenty. The real practice is with things you can touch.
- Try it at home: Play a simple dice game together.
- Make a five frame from an egg carton cut down to 5 cups.
- Look for dots on dominoes.