The ability to count rationally is the foundation of higher-level thinking and problem-solving. When young children first begin counting from 1 to 10 (or even 20), it first starts out as rote counting (memorized in a given sequence). Number sense is the ability to recognize that numbers represent a quantity and that numbers occur in sequential order.

Benefits

The Number Sense learning mat provides your child with 4 different strategies to count. For the next level,  the learning mat is a powerful visual tool to solve addition and subtraction problems. The strategies your child can utilize are:

1. Counting with fingers. For children who are still working on their finger control or work better with a visual first as a model for using their own fingers.
2. Create it. Create your own visuals with dry erase markers, play dough, or other objects of their choosing. With a defined space to represent two sets of quantities.
3. Ten frames. Mark each box using math manipulatives (counting bears, counters, stones, etc.) or use a dry erase marker to mark each box to represent numbers less than or equal to 10 (and goes up to 20 for the next level).
4. Number line. Visualize the sequence of numbers. Number lines are effective tools to demonstrate the concept of addition and subtraction. Can also be used as a reference guide to writing numbers.