What is number sense?
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.
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?
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?
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.
(for kindergarten students only)
This is a simplistic but effective way to help children begin to look at numbers as tens and understand value.
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.
These are some excellent games that promote number sense where kids can also have fun as they learn and practice their math skills.
This is a simplistic but effective way to help children begin to look at numbers as tens and understand value.
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.