What is number sense?
What is number sense?
Embedded Files
Number sense refers to a deep, flexible and fluid understanding of numbers. Kids who have good number sense understand quantities and how they relate to others in the numerical system.
Over time, a child with good number sense will understand each number is represented by its own symbol and quantity. They know how different numbers are related, how to solve real-world math problems, and can compose and decompose (put together and take apart) numbers. They will also understand how the basic four operations work and how to use them.
Throughout all grade levels, it is important for kids to participate in rich, meaningful tasks to help build their number sense. Many studies have been done linking high performance and understanding of mathematics with strong number sense.
Below is a short video introduction to number sense that is worth watching to get a basic idea of what this concept means.
This video of Jo Boaler provides a great introduction and explanation of what number sense is and what it might look like in a math classroom.
How is it taught?
How is it taught?
A strong understanding of number sense can be developed early- as soon as children are learning about quantities and interacting with numbers, they are able to begin developing number sense.
In our Math curriculum, students are being challenged with activities to help strengthen their number sense. These skills are developed within a classroom through repeated, authentic exposure to real-world math problems. Mathematical experts are leaning more toward this type of critical thinking problem solving to help children of all ages to improve their number sense and overall understanding of mathematics.
How can I help build my child's number sense?
How can I help build my child's number sense?
There are many ways to reinforce number sense at home. Most of these require little to no materials and can be done in the car, while you're waiting in line at a store, or at the dinner table. Click the "Everyday Math" page to get some ideas. The other sites linked below are games and activities that can be used to engage and excite your children.
This site contains a number sense-building estimation activity for every day of the year. Kids can compare their estimates and reasons with others from all around the world.
This site is a great place to start if you're looking for a way to talk to your kids about math. There are no wrong answers- just possibilities for dialogue!
Here you will find ideas about how to incorporate this idea into your everyday routines with your children.
This site contains some excellent, engaging games that promote number sense where kids can also have fun as they learn and practice their math skills.
Polyup is a free and open computational thinking playground where students can experiment with numbers and functions. Students will “mod”, or modify, a variety of expressions, equations, and algorithms to solve mathematical puzzles and discover the beauty of math in a visual environment.
This is an excellent resource for extra reinforcement- if students don't understand a concept there's a Khan video for that! You can create a parent/student account or just view the videos.
Report abuse