Number sense — the understanding that numbers represent quantity — is the foundation for all later maths learning. Students need to understand that 5 is always 5 whether counting objects, fingers, or abstract representations. Quality early number sense resources emphasise hands-on, playful number exploration.
Number Sense Foundations: Before Formal Numeracy
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Counting & Subitising
1
Subitising Games & Visual Cards (Free Printables)
Free printable subitising card sets for instant number recognition to 10, 20. Shows quantities visually for rapid recognition without counting.
2
Khan Academy Kids (Counting & Number Recognition)
Free app and online activities for Foundation-Year 1. Counting to 20, one-to-one correspondence, number recognition through playful games.
3
Mathsisfun Early Numeracy Games
Colourful games for counting, number recognition, one-to-one correspondence. Engaging for Foundation and Year 1 students.
Tip: Play subitising games daily (5 minutes). Rapid number recognition removes counting bottlenecks in later arithmetic.
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Hands-On Number Activities
1
NRICH Early Numeracy Tasks (Foundation-Year 2)
Free investigation tasks for number exploration, counting games, and early number concepts. Playful, hands-on approach builds number sense.
2
Number Bonds Exploration (Mathsisfun & Khan Academy)
Interactive exploration of number composition. Understanding that 5 = 2+3 = 4+1 builds flexible number sense.
Early Number Sense Strategy
- Prioritise hands-on number exploration before formal numeracy
- Play subitising games daily (5 minutes) for rapid number recognition
- Use Khan Academy Kids for playful, video-based counting activities
- Explore number bonds visually to build flexible number understanding
- Incorporate NRICH early numeracy tasks regularly for number investigation
- Print subitising card sets and laminate for durability and repeated use
