Subitizing plays an important role in developing the number sense. Which of the following is an example of a student demonstrating the skill of subitizing ?

The correct option is "Student rolls a die and is able to say it is four without actually counting the dots."

Understanding Subitizing:
Subitizing refers to the ability to instantly recognize the number of objects in a small group without having to count them one by one. For example, when you see three dots arranged in a line or on a playing card, you immediately know there are three without counting "1, 2, 3". It is a fundamental skill in early mathematical development that helps build strong number sense.

Evaluating the Options:
• Student rolls a die and is able to say it is four without actually counting the dots: This is a classic example of perceptual subitizing. The student sees the arrangement of four dots on the die and immediately knows the quantity is 4 without counting each dot individually.
• Student recognizes the number 6 as 1 added to 5 / Student recognizes the number 4 as 1 taken away from 5 / Student recognizes the number 5 as the successor of 4: These examples demonstrate numerical relationships, addition/subtraction concepts, and successor concepts, but not the instant visual recognition of quantity (subitizing).

Therefore, rolling a die and identifying the number of dots instantly without counting is the correct example of subitizing.