Help build your child's number sense with these hands on activities:

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Number sense is the foundation of early math skills, helping children understand numbers, their relationships, and how they work together. Here are 10 engaging, hands-on activities parents can do at home to support their child’s number sense development.

1. Counting with Everyday Objects

Use small household items like buttons, cereal pieces, or coins to practice counting. Have your child count forward and backward, group objects into sets, or compare which group has more or less.

2. Number Line Hop

Create a number line on the floor using tape or chalk. Call out numbers and have your child hop to the correct spot. You can also practice addition and subtraction by having them hop forward or backward.

3. Dice and Dominos Fun

Roll a pair of dice and have your child add or subtract the numbers. Use dominoes to match or compare numbers, helping them recognize patterns and relationships.

4. Cooking with Numbers

Involve your child in measuring ingredients, setting the table (counting utensils), or dividing food into equal parts. This helps them understand numbers in real-life situations.

5. Building with Blocks or LEGO

Encourage your child to build towers with a specific number of blocks, compare the height of different towers, or group blocks into sets to practice counting and subitizing (quickly recognizing small quantities without counting).

6. Ten Frame Flash

Make a simple ten frame using an egg carton or draw one on paper. Fill it with small objects and have your child quickly say how many they see, helping them develop number recognition and mental math skills.

7. Card Games for Number Sense

Play simple card games like “War” (highest number wins) or “Go Fish” to reinforce number recognition and comparison. You can also use playing cards to practice adding or subtracting numbers.

8. Skip Counting with Movement

Practice skip counting (by 2s, 5s, or 10s) while jumping, clapping, or bouncing a ball. This helps reinforce patterns and prepares children for multiplication.

9. Sorting and Classifying Objects

Have your child sort toys, buttons, or other small items by size, color, or number. Ask questions like “Which group has more?” to build comparison and estimation skills.

10. Number Scavenger Hunt

Challenge your child to find numbers around the house (on clocks, books, packages, or calendars). Have them write or say the numbers and put them in order.

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Building number sense doesn’t have to feel like homework! These simple, playful activities help children develop confidence in numbers while having fun. Try incorporating them into daily routines and watch your child’s math skills grow!