Number sense is a foundational concept in early mathematics, representing a child’s intuitive understanding of numbers and their relationships. It is often described as having a “good intuition about numbers” that allows for flexible thinking and problem-solving beyond simple memorization. This ability develops gradually as children explore numbers in various contexts, helping them understand that numbers are meaningful. A strong number sense allows a kindergartner to work with numbers flexibly, visualize them, and relate them.
Core Skills of Kindergarten Number Sense
Kindergarten number sense is built upon several specific, observable skills that demonstrate a child’s growing comprehension of quantity. One of the earliest skills is subitizing, which is the ability to instantly recognize the quantity of a small group of objects without needing to count them individually. For example, a child with this skill can immediately identify three dots on a domino or four fingers held up.
Another foundational skill is one-to-one correspondence, which is the understanding that each object being counted must be assigned one and only one number name. A child demonstrating this skill will touch or point to each item in a set while saying the corresponding number word in sequence, ensuring no item is counted twice or skipped. This leads directly to the concept of cardinality, which is the understanding that the last number counted in a set represents the total quantity of that set. A child who understands cardinality will not feel the need to recount the set.
Kindergartners also develop an understanding of magnitude and comparison, which involves recognizing the relative size of numbers. This allows them to compare two quantities and determine which is greater or less, such as knowing that seven is more than four. Furthermore, they begin to grasp part-whole relationships, recognizing that a number can be broken down and recombined in different ways, such as understanding that eight can be made from five and three or six and two.
The Foundational Importance of Number Sense
Developing number sense in kindergarten is a strong predictor of a child’s future success in mathematics. This early understanding forms the foundation for all subsequent mathematical learning, preventing children from relying solely on rote memorization of facts and procedures. Instead, it enables a conceptual understanding that allows them to approach problems with flexibility and confidence.
A child with number sense is better equipped to handle more advanced concepts because they can think flexibly about numbers. This foundation directly supports the later understanding of place value, where they must grasp that the position of a digit changes its value. It also underpins the ability to perform mental math, make reasonable estimates, and understand the inverse relationship between operations like addition and subtraction. Studies have shown that number sense in preschool can predict math success as far out as third grade.
Practical Strategies for Developing Number Sense
Parents and educators can foster number sense by incorporating hands-on, engaging activities into a child’s daily routine. Using manipulatives is an effective strategy because it allows children to physically interact with quantities. Everyday items like blocks, coins, or even snacks can be used for counting, grouping, and demonstrating how numbers can be composed and decomposed.
Incorporating number games is another approach that encourages flexible thinking and subitizing. Simple games involving dice or dominoes require a child to instantly recognize small quantities without counting, reinforcing the subitizing skill. Card games can be used to practice comparison by having children determine which player has the card with the greater or lesser number.
Integrating counting and comparison into real-world scenarios makes the concept of number more relatable and meaningful. For instance, a child can count the number of plates needed when setting the table or count the steps taken while walking up a staircase. Asking comparison questions helps them practice comparing quantities in a natural context. Visual aids like a number line can also be introduced to help children visualize number relationships and magnitude.