Number sense in preschoolers
Number sense is not numerals (the keys that indicate number).
Number involves many concepts that are the foundation for all mathematical reasoning:
◾One-to-one correspondence (counting objects).
◾Sets (otherwise known as groups).
◾Equality.
◾How many, how more than, how many less than.
These are language concepts that are necessary to know and understand how to manipulate. Rote (memorized) counting is not number sense, but is part of the process of number sense. Children can recognize greater and less than sets without being able to count, unless the numbers are extremely close.
Easy and informal ways to help develop number sense
Count objects slowly, making sure the child says the correct word as (s)he moves/touches the objects. There are unlimited sorting, matching, grouping activities you can do. Always ask questions about which has more than, which has less than, which is equal, can you make a group with more/less than or equal to, etc.
What parents can do
Children like to learn and enjoy manipulating objects. There are endless activities that can happen with their toys that have zillions of pieces that pierce adults’ feet every night in the dark.
Number sense is not numerals (the keys that indicate number).
Number involves many concepts that are the foundation for all mathematical reasoning:
◾One-to-one correspondence (counting objects).
◾Sets (otherwise known as groups).
◾Equality.
◾How many, how more than, how many less than.
These are language concepts that are necessary to know and understand how to manipulate. Rote (memorized) counting is not number sense, but is part of the process of number sense. Children can recognize greater and less than sets without being able to count, unless the numbers are extremely close.
Easy and informal ways to help develop number sense
Count objects slowly, making sure the child says the correct word as (s)he moves/touches the objects. There are unlimited sorting, matching, grouping activities you can do. Always ask questions about which has more than, which has less than, which is equal, can you make a group with more/less than or equal to, etc.
What parents can do
Children like to learn and enjoy manipulating objects. There are endless activities that can happen with their toys that have zillions of pieces that pierce adults’ feet every night in the dark.