So many math worksheets and materials for young children focus on teaching them to recognize and write numerals. While it is important for kids to learn these skills as they move toward more “formal” math in school, focusing so heavily on numerals before kids have a solid foundation in number concepts can get in the way of their long-term success and confidence in math.

Numbers are ideas – they help us understand and communicate about the world! We use them to count objects, measure how tall we’ve grown, compare sizes and distances, put things in order, recognize and extend patterns, and even track probabilities to make predictions about the weather.

To communicate these ideas with other people, we rely on symbols: to tell someone how many dogs you saw at the park you might use a number word (three) or a numeral (3). But it’s important to remember that these are just symbols that allow us to share deeper concepts and ideas.

So, while we do want kids to learn to recognize, read, and write numerals, that’s only one part of the story! We also need to make sure they have a strong, conceptual understanding of what numbers mean.

The good news? There are so many fun, hands-on ways to help your child build number sense!

• Subitizing, the ability to see a small set of objects and know “how many” without counting, helps even the youngest learners build number understanding before they can even count.
• Finger counting and counting real objects helps kids connect number words to the actual sets that they represent.
• Using loose parts like counters, blocks, or snacks along with numeral cards, cut-outs, or magnets allow kids to explore numbers in a playful, concrete way while also getting exposure to numerals.

Looking for ways to get started?
 

• Check out this simple activity that helps connect numerals and sets over on our Instagram page.
• Grab this free PDF about how to help your child build their early math skills and number sense through hands-on play.
• There are so many fun, hands-on games in the Early Math Playbook Game Library! Each game is designed to help kids build number sense, and a joyful, confident relationship with math.

Read more here!