There are several foundational math skills that are core to an understanding of math. One is the idea that a number symbol can be used to represent a number of objects. The digit 5 is a way to describe 5 books or 5 balls.

Development

Kids can represent a number first with objects (three blocks can represent the three people in the family, or the three goldfish crackers), then pictures, then words and symbols.

• Recognize written numbers 1 – 5 (by age 3)
• Identify numerals 1 – 20 by sight. (by age 5)
• Can read the words for numbers, and match them to the symbol. (kindergarten)

Help them practice

• When a child is less than three, simply work with them on visual discrimination – encouraging them to look for details: I-spy games, or draw out really simple “spot the difference” games. This will help them someday tell the difference between a 6 and a 9.
• Help them start to understand symbols and that the same symbol can have the same meaning in different contexts: press the up arrow when you want the elevator to go up, press the triangle to play the video on YouTube or on the DVD player.

After age 3 or so, start working on actual numbers, working first on 1 – 5. The more places they encounter the symbols where they have meaning the better.

• Use masking tape to make numbers on the floor and hop from one number to the next.
• Put magnet numbers on the fridge, in order.
• Make number symbols with play-dough or draw them in a tray filled with salt or flour.
• Play with home-made number blocks.
• Count five objects, write the number, write the word – helps them see how these things are all relate.
• Make number cards 1 – 5. when you count some objects, they need to find the number card that matches your total.
• Have them color in pictures of the number.
• Use one of many apps that allows children to trace numbers and letters.
• Point out the numbers on signs wherever you go.

Wait till they’ve really mastered 1 – 5 before you do more. When we rush them, they don’t fully internalize information. Being patient now will give them a richer understanding for their future. Once they’ve mastered that, keep doing similar techniques, just with more numbers. First, from 1-10, then 1 – 20, then 1-100. And so on.

Image credit: From hess-tatong-apple.blogspot.com, marked as free to share and use.