How to Develop Number Sense: The Foundation of Mathematical Thinking
- Nonthapat Hansiri
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 29
Before children can master complex operations or equations, they need a solid sense of numbers—what they are, how they work, and how they relate to the world. This ability, called number sense, is a critical predictor of long-term success in mathematics.
What is Number Sense?
Number sense refers to a child’s ability to:
Understand the magnitude of numbers (e.g., 10 is bigger than 6),
Flexibly use numbers in mental math (e.g., solving 48 + 25 by splitting),
Recognize patterns and relationships (e.g., even vs. odd, doubles),
Make reasonable estimates (e.g., about how many candies in a jar).
Number sense isn’t about memorizing—it’s about intuition and confidence with numbers.
Why Is Number Sense Important?
Research shows that early number sense predicts later achievement in math. According to:
Jordan, Glutting & Ramineni (2010), early number sense at age 5 strongly correlates with math achievement in grade 3 and beyond.
Gersten & Chard (1999) identify number sense as a core component for students at risk of math difficulty.
The National Research Council (2001) states that “number sense must be cultivated; it does not develop naturally.”
5 Ways to Develop Number Sense at Home and in the Classroom
1. Use Number Talks
Encourage short daily conversations about numbers.
Example: “What are different ways to make 10?” → 6+4, 3+7, 5+5
Builds flexibility and mental math.
2. Play with Numbers, Not Just Count
Instead of only reciting 1–2–3, explore how numbers relate.
Example: Ask “What’s 1 more than 6? What’s 2 less than 9?
3. Use Visual Representations
Ten-frames, number lines, dot cards, and bar models help children see numbers.
Example: Show 7 as a group of 5 dots and 2 dots → supports mental decomposition.
4. Estimation Games
Fill a jar with small objects. Ask, “How many do you think are in here?”
Build the habit of estimating and checking reasonableness.
5. Encourage Multiple Strategies
If a child solves 35 + 27, let them:
Break apart: 30 + 20 = 50, 5 + 7 = 12 → 62
Count up: 35 + 5 = 40, then add 22 more → 62
The goal isn’t just the answer—it’s the thinking process.
Fun Activities to Boost Number Sense
Activity Name | Description |
Dot Card Flash | Show dot patterns briefly and ask how many |
Make Ten Challenge | Use cards or dice to find pairs that add to 10 |
How Close to 100? | Two players add numbers to get close to 100 |
Number Line Races | Jump forward/backward based on dice rolls |
Missing Number Puzzles | Fill in blanks: ___ + 7 = 13 |
Research Insight: Number Sense is More Than Counting
Children with strong number sense tend to:
Catch up faster in school math even if they initially struggle.
Adapt better to new math topics like fractions or algebra.
Make fewer careless errors because they know when an answer feels “off.”
In contrast, children who only memorize without understanding may:
Struggle with word problems.
Panic when numbers get bigger or operations change.
Final Thoughts
Number sense is the heartbeat of mathematics. Like learning to speak before writing essays, children must learn to feel numbers before manipulating them in formulas. Whether at home or school, small daily interactions can grow number confidence for a lifetime.
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