Why Number Sense Is the Key to Math Success
If your child struggles with math, you may wonder if they simply need more practice. But what if the real issue isn’t just memorizing facts or following steps, but a deeper understanding of numbers themselves? Number sense—the ability to understand and work with numbers flexibly—is the foundation for math success. Without it, even simple problems can feel overwhelming. The good news? Number sense can be strengthened, giving kids the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
What Is Number Sense?
Number sense is a person’s ability to understand numbers, their relationships, and how they can be manipulated. It includes skills like estimating, recognizing patterns, comparing quantities, and understanding place value. Strong number sense allows kids to think flexibly about numbers rather than relying solely on memorized facts and procedures.
Why Number Sense Matters for Math Fluency
Research shows that children with strong number sense perform better in math throughout their school years. A study published in Developmental Science found that early number sense in preschoolers predicts later success in formal math instruction. When children understand numbers conceptually, they can approach math problems with confidence, use multiple strategies, and develop mental math skills that help them solve problems efficiently. Without strong number sense, even basic arithmetic can be difficult, leading to frustration and avoidance of math tasks.
Signs Your Child May Have Weak Number Sense
If your child struggles in math, weak number sense might be part of the problem. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Difficulty estimating or comparing numbers (e.g., not recognizing that 98 is close to 100)
- Struggles with basic math facts, even after repeated practice
- Relies on finger counting beyond early grades
- Trouble understanding place value (e.g., not seeing the difference between 23 and 32)
- Difficulty recognizing number patterns or relationships
Read More: Reasons Why Some Kids Hate Math >>
How to Build Math Confidence at Home
The best way to strengthen number sense is through interactive, hands-on experiences with numbers. Here are some ways to help:
- Play with numbers: Board games, dice games, and card games like Uno or Yahtzee help kids develop number intuition while having fun. Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite math games >>
- Encourage mental math: Ask your child to estimate the cost of items while shopping or find different ways to add up numbers mentally.
- Focus on strategies, not just memorization: Instead of just drilling math facts, help your child understand why math works. For example, show how 8 + 7 is the same as 8 + 2 + 5.
- Use real-world math: Cooking, measuring ingredients, budgeting, and managing time all reinforce number sense in everyday situations. Here are some of our favorite ways to practice math (without worksheets)!
How Brain Training Can Help
Math isn’t just about numbers—it’s about leveraging and applying cognitive skills like memory, processing speed, and logic. Weak cognitive skills can make it harder for kids to develop number sense and math fluency. At LearningRx, our brain training programs strengthen these skills through targeted exercises that improve the way the brain processes and retains numerical information. Strengthening these core abilities helps kids not just in math, but across all areas of learning.
If your child struggles with math, it’s not a sign that they’re not “a math person.” It may simply mean they need help building number sense and strengthening cognitive skills to unlock more confidence and success in math and beyond.
With the right support, math can become easier—and even enjoyable! If you’d like to learn how LearningRx can help your child improve their math skills, contact us today to get started.
