Maths isn’t just about numbers, equations or measurements – it’s a way of thinking, reasoning and making sense of the world around us. At the heart of that understanding is number sense: the ability to understand what numbers mean and how they work. It’s the foundation that makes learning other maths concepts feel easier and more natural.
This is the first post in my Back to Basics maths series, where we’ll look at key concepts that build on each other – plus fun, hands-on activities you can try at home.
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What is Number Sense?
Number sense can be tricky to pin down. In simple terms, it’s about understanding what numbers are, what they represent, and how they relate to each other. It’s not just about memorising facts – it’s about grasping concepts.
Another way to describe it is that it’s the ability to be flexible with numbers.
Unlike skills like addition or subtraction, number sense isn’t something that’s usually taught directly. Instead, children develop it through regular experiences with numbers: noticing them, playing with them, and exploring how they work. The more chances they get to interact with numbers in different ways, the stronger their number sense becomes.
Here are a few examples to show what number sense can look like in action:
Ordering and comparing – understanding how numbers relate to each other
E.g. knowing that 8 is more than 6
Subitising – recognising small quantities without counting
E.g. instantly knowing the number on a die without counting the dots
One-to-one correspondence – matching each object to one number in a count
E.g. counting crayons by touching each one without skipping or repeating
Part-part-whole thinking – breaking numbers into parts and reassembling them
E.g. seeing 9 + 6 as 10 + 5, which feels easier to work with
Children with strong number sense tend to approach problems more confidently and flexibly, laying the groundwork for success with more complex ideas.
Why is Number Sense Important?
We often associate number sense activities with Early Years and Key Stage One, but after that, they’re not used as much. The trouble is, some children – and even adults – never fully develop an intuitive feel for numbers. That’s why it’s so valuable to keep offering number sense activities, no matter a child’s age.
A solid number sense:
- Boosts problem-solving – children can approach problems from different angles and find efficient solutions
- Builds confidence – understanding concepts reduces maths anxiety
- Supports future learning – it underpins everything from times tables to algebra
- Applies to everyday life – we use number sense all the time without even realising it
Number Sense in Everyday Life
My Key Stage Two learners are always more motivated when they understand why they’re learning something. When they see how it connects to real life, it just clicks.
We use number sense in all sorts of daily activities, such as:
- Games – board games and card games involve subitising, counting and mental maths
- Cooking – measuring and scaling recipes introduces fractions and quantities
- Shopping – adding prices, making change and estimating costs
- Sports – keeping score or understanding stats
- Time management – reading timetables, estimating how long things take, or working out what time something starts
What Comes Next?
Once a child has built a strong number sense, they’re better prepared to tackle:
- Place value
- Addition and subtraction
- Multiplication and division
These concepts build on number sense and are much easier to learn when the foundations are secure.
🛠️ Try This at Home: Easy Number Sense Activities
Here are some simple, hands-on ways to explore number sense at home:
- Number Hunts – spot numbers around you (on houses, clocks, signs) and talk about what they mean
- Cooking Together – measure ingredients, double or halve recipes
- Board Games – choose ones that involve counting, dice, or score-keeping
- Estimation Jars – fill a jar with small items and guess how many there are before counting
- Maths Chat – weave maths into everyday life by talking about time, amounts or comparisons
Number sense is the cornerstone of mathematical understanding. By nurturing it early and often, we’re helping children build the confidence and flexibility they need for both school and life.
Coming next in this series…
I’ll be sharing ten practical strategies and activity ideas – to strengthen your child’s number sense – simple, fun and designed to fit into everyday routines.
Does your child struggle with number sense?
Does your child rely on using their fingers to count?Maybe they would write down 8 + 7 rather than solve it mentally.
Let me know in the comments below.
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