Does your child have number sense? Success in mathematics seems to be linked to a few basic skills that are collectively known as “number sense.” Lack of these skills makes it very difficult to progress to more advanced math. Here are some ways to help your young child become aware of numbers and begin to use them.
The first step is to count everyday objects with your child. Count the toys as you pick them up, count the buttons on a coat, and count the spoons as you set the table. Once your child begins to count objects, ask for three blocks or four crayons. When he or she is comfortable with that, say, “I have three raisins. How many more do I need to make five?” Notice that children often can recite numbers before they are ready to match them one-to-one with objects.
Begin to teach number recognition by pointing out numbers on signs, package labels, and other places in your everyday surroundings. Check the library for picture books that feature numbers. Keep this light-hearted and fun for young children. The goal is to make the child aware of numbers and familiar with them, not to put pressure on him or her for mastery.
Another important skill that can be taught in the context of everyday life is comparison of amount. This involves ideas such as more and less, bigger and smaller, longer and shorter, and lighter and heavier. Get in the habit of using these words and others like them whenever appropriate, and you will have started your child thinking mathematically.
Other skills mentioned as part of number sense are skip counting, understanding place value, understanding the ideas of addition and subtraction, and fact fluency. The first three of these skills are introduced in Math-U-See Primer and again in Alpha, which goes on to teach all the addition and subtraction facts with the goal of fluency. Gamma introduces all of the multiplication facts using skip counting, and then works towards fluency with these facts as well.
The time you spend working with your young children on their basic skills is immensely valuable. Help them to be comfortable with numbers and aware of how our number system works on the most basic level, and you will have given your children a solid foundation for their future success in math.
