Children follow natural developmental progressions in learning and development. The Early Number Sense Learning Trajectory follows the natural developmental progression in learning the foundations for mathematics. Below is an outline of these learning trajectories as well as games you can play at home to help strengthen these concepts.
Print these dot cards or use these patterns to make your own at home : )
Pull one of the dot cards.
Use small objects (gems, toy cars, paper clips, whatever you have!) to make a set of objects that is the SAME as the dot image.
Make a group of objects that are MORE than the number.
And make a group that is LESS than the number.
Place the labels SAME, MORE, and LESS with the correct group of objects.
Each Player rolls a dice.
Use math talk to say what number is MORE, what number is LESS, or if the numbers are the SAME.
For a more challenging version (we didn’t model this together, but if your child is ready for it): each player can roll two dice, add their numbers then compare who has more, less or if both players have the same.
This is an excellent resource that is great for cutting practice, counting, subitizing and reading.
Spin and cover. Lots of ways numbers are presented: dice, dots, tallies, etc. Could totally be used as an independent activity or as a partner game.