Kids who have strong number sense understand what numbers are, how they relate to each other, and the affects that different operations have on them.  These kids can easily compose and decompose numbers and are able to make reasonable estimates making computation much easier.  In other words, kids with strong number sense are comfortable with numbers.

And when kids are comfortable with numbers, math becomes much easier.  The good news is, helping our children develop a strong sense of numbers is not that hard to do.  Here are 5 simple ways to seamlessly integrate number sense activities while driving in the car, cutting vegetables, waiting in the dentist’s office…

• What’s the question?  Give your kids the answer and have them come up with the problem.  For example, the answer is 7, what’s the question?  Sample answer:  I had 10 grapes and then I ate three.  How many are left?
• Who am I?  Not only are these perfect for mental math practice, but they’re a great way to reinforce math vocabulary.  Sample:  I am an even number greater than 10 but less than 20.  The sum of my digits is 9.  Who am I?
• Which number does not belong?  This is a pre-algebra activity where students sort and classify  numbers into categories.  For example, which number does not belong:  4, 12, 17, 8, 20?  Answer:  the number ’17’ does not belong because it is an odd number.  (Kids can also say that ’17’ is not a multiple of 2.)
• Which has more?  A great mental math activity that gets kids to compare several quantities at the same time.  For example, which has more, the number of wheels on two cars or the number of eggs in a dozen?
• And the answer is…  For this quick activity, kids need to add a series of quantities in their head. For example:  Start with the number of days in a week.  Subtract the number of wheels on a tricycle.  Double that number.  And the answer is…?

Developing number sense in kids builds confidence.  And confidence is a great foundation for success in math.  Happy counting!

For daily tips and free (video) lessons on teaching kids math, visit Family Math Night