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Number Sense For Kindergarteners To Improve Math Skills

When it comes to mathematical skills, naming numbers and counting have been at the core of kindergarten mathematics. This stage is the beginning of developing number sense. Developing number sense skills in children is a priority for teachers and parents.

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But, what is number sense? Why is it important for children? How does one develop number sense skills in kids?

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We have answered all these questions below. Continue reading to know everything about number sense for kindergarteners.

What Is Number Sense?

Number sense refers to a child’s ability to understand and use numbers in practice.

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A child with knowledge of number sense can:

  • Understand that numbers have their own symbol and quantity.
  • Know how to solve real-world mathematical problems.
  • Understand the relationship between numbers. For example, how 20 and 120 are related.
  • Knows how to compose and decompose numbers (put together and take apart).
  • Know the basic +, -, x, and ÷ operations and understand when to use each one of these.

All of these points are not developmentally appropriate for kindergarteners, but somehow, they all are interlinked under the mathematical discipline of number sense.

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According to research, a strong foundation in the number sense directly relates to a kid’s overall success in maths. But, teaching number sense to kindergarteners is a bigger task than some might initially think.

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Why Building Number Sense Is Important For Your Child?

Here are some points on the importance of number sense for preschoolers:

1. Indicator Of Mathematical Achievements

Numbers sense skills are a strong indicator of overall mathematical achievements. Children need to have the foundational mathematical knowledge and skills to help them learn math in the future.

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2. Indicates How Math Is Systematic And Consistent

Number sense helps children understand that numbers are meaningful and, despite manipulation, their outcomes are constant and sensible.

3. Math Is Impossible Without Number Sense

Number sense plays a big role in all math disciplines. It is beyond just basic addition and subtraction; it helps children to understand how these operations are related to each other, which they learn years down the road.

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Simple Activities To Teach Your Kids Number Sense

Wondering how to teach number sense to your little one? Here are some activities and number sense games for preschoolers. Add some fun to teaching your child number sense with the help of these fun and entertaining activities.

1. Number Search

Write random numbers up to 12 on a sheet. You can repeat the numbers and write them as many times as you want. Now give two dice to your child and ask them to roll them and add the two numbers on the dice. Next, they need to find that number on the sheet and circle it.

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2. One Less, One More

Sit with your child in front of you and tell them that you are going to say a number, and they have to tell the numbers that are one less and one more than that number. For example, if you will say the number 10, then it’s one less will be number 9, and it’s one more will be number 11.

3. Place The Block

Take square sheets and write numbers 1 to 10 on them. Now ask your child to place the correct number of blocks on each sheet. For example, if you have written the number 5 on a sheet, your child will have to place five building blocks on it. Alternatively, you can ask your child to build the blocks tower using the number that is written on the sheet.

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4. Trace The Number

Take a tray and spread glitter on it. Tell your child that you will say a number, and they have to write/trace it on the glitter. Children enjoy playing with glitter and will love this activity. It will also help them work on their fine motor skills. You can also use shaving foam, salt, flour, etc. in place of glitter.

5. Play Dough Numbers

Children love playing with clay, and therefore, this makes for a perfect learning activity for them. Ask your child to form numbers using clay. This way, they will learn how to write numbers easily.

6. Count Often

Ask your child to count at every natural opportunity. Like, ask them to count the grapes on their plate, count the cars in the parking lot, count the smartphones at home, etc.

7. Scavenger Hunt

Write numbers 1 to 6 on different pieces of paper. Keep these pages in different places at your home. Now, use dice; ask them to roll it. They have to search for the page that has the same number as that on the dice and bring it to you.

8. Which Has More?

Line up four crayons in a row and right below it, line up 5 crayons in a row. Now, ask your child which row has more crayons. You can perform this activity with other objects at home and introduce your child to the concept of less and more.

9. Match The Numbers

On a sheet, write numbers in digits in one column and the same number in the form of dots, but in the jumbled form, in the other column. Now ask your child to match the digits to the correct dots.

Quick Tips To Develop Number Sense In Kids

Here are some essential but quick tips to help children develop number sense:

  • Give your child a chance to practice as often as they can.
  • Teach number sense to kids using multiple strategies and allow them to choose the one that makes the most sense to them.
  • Encourage your little one to talk about maths and explain what they think, even if their answer is incorrect.
  • Encourage your child to do mental computation.
  • Provide manipulatives so that children can create and model the problem we’re talking about.
  • Make a routine for your child to practice the concept daily.

Also Read:

Easy Ways to Teach Your Child Basic Counting
How to Teach Backward Counting To Kindergarteners
Sight Words for Kindergarten to Improve their Language Skills

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