Fostering Number Sense in Kindergarten

During kindergarten, children build the foundation for future academic success, with mathematical understanding playing an important role in their development. Number sense — the intuitive grasp of numbers, their relationships, and how they function — serves as the foundation for all future mathematical learning.

In this guide, you’ll discover fun and practical ways to build number sense in your kindergartener. Whether through interactive games, hands-on activities, or daily routines, we’ll walk you through easy-to-use tips and ideas that turn counting, comparing, and problem-solving into fun parts of your child’s day.

What is Number Sense?

Number sense means understanding what numbers are and how they work. It's like developing a "number instinct" that helps children feel comfortable with math concepts before they even learn formal math rules.

The core skills that make up number sense include recognizing numbers when they see them, counting objects accurately, comparing quantities to see which group has more or less, understanding concepts like "more" and "less," and beginning to grasp simple addition and subtraction.

For example, a child with good number sense knows that 5 is more than 3 without having to count, understands that if you have 4 cookies and eat 1, you'll have fewer cookies left, and can look at two groups of toys and immediately tell which group has more.

Why is Number Sense Important to Teach in Kindergarten?

Kids with strong number sense in kindergarten are more ready for first-grade math, like place value, adding, subtracting, and solving word problems. Because numbers make sense to them, they feel more confident and less frustrated. Number sense also helps with real-life skills, like telling time, using money, and comparing amounts.

Number sense also helps kids become flexible thinkers. Instead of sticking to one method, they can try different ways to solve a problem and decide which one works best. They also learn to explain their thinking clearly.

How Kindergarteners Develop Number Sense

Everyday play and routines allow kids to build number sense naturally. Simple activities like setting the table, sharing snacks, or lining up toys give children regular chances to count, compare, and explore numbers without even realizing they’re learning.

Remember that kindergarteners learn best when they can touch, move, and play with real objects. Doing hands-on activities gives kids the repetition they need to remember what they learn and feel confident.

Talking about numbers helps kids learn. Questions like “Which has more?” or “What do you need to make five?” get kids to think, speak, and connect math to real life.

Key Components of Number Sense in Kindergarten

Strong number sense in kindergarten rests on several essential skills that work together to create mathematical understanding. Children need to grasp what numbers represent, see how numbers relate to one another, understand simple addition and subtraction, recognize mathematical patterns, and develop estimation abilities.

Here’s a closer look at each component:

Counting

Counting is the ability to say numbers in order and match them with objects. It helps children understand that numbers represent amounts. For example, a child counts five blocks by saying “1, 2, 3, 4, 5” while touching each one.

Number recognition

Number recognition means being able to identify and name numbers when they see them. This includes recognizing numerals (like 7 or 10) and connecting them to a quantity. For example, when shown the number “4,” a child says, “That’s four!” and holds up four fingers.

Number relationships

This skill involves understanding how numbers relate to one another — for example, knowing which numbers are bigger or smaller, or how far apart they are. Children with strong number relationships can quickly tell you that 8 is closer to 10 than to 5, or that 7 comes right before 8.

Composing and decomposing numbers

 Composing means putting numbers together, and decomposing means breaking them apart. These are early building blocks for addition and subtraction. For example, children learn that 5 can be made by combining 2 and 3, or that 8 can be broken apart into 5 and 3.

Number patterns

Pattern recognition involves seeing repeated sequences or relationships in numbers and objects. Children learn to identify what comes next in a series, such as recognizing that 2, 4, 6, 8 follows a pattern of counting by twos. This skill helps them predict outcomes.

Estimation

Estimation is the ability to make reasonable guesses about quantities without counting exactly. Children develop this skill by learning to judge "about how many" items are in a group. For example, a child might look at a jar of marbles and estimate there are "about 20" without counting each one individually.

How to Foster Number Sense in Kindergarten

Building strong number sense in kindergarten requires intentional teaching strategies that make mathematical concepts meaningful and accessible to young learners. Moreover, it comes from emphasizing deep understanding over memorization.

The most effective approach combines concrete, hands-on experiences with everyday learning opportunities that help children see mathematics as a natural part of their world. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Make math part of their daily life

One of the best ways to build number sense is by using everyday moments to explore math naturally.

Count how many apples go into the grocery bag, how many steps it takes to reach the front door, or how many plates you need to set the table. Ask your child to compare amounts — like who has more crackers or whether two cups have the same amount of juice.

You can also strengthen number sense by using math words in casual conversation. Phrases like “Do we have enough?”, “Who has more?”, or “Let’s find out the total” encourage your child to think mathematically and explain their ideas. Say things like “We need two more blocks to make five,” or “You have fewer grapes than I do.”

Using words like more, fewer, equal, total, and altogether in your daily routines helps your child become comfortable with math language.

Play math games

Math games are a fun and effective way to build number sense in kindergarteners. Board games, dice games, and card games help children practice counting, comparing numbers, recognizing patterns, and making simple calculations — all while having fun. These games also teach important skills like taking turns, following rules, and thinking ahead.

Here are some fun options to try at home or in the classroom:

• Chutes and Ladders – Reinforces number recognition and counting as kids move along the board.
• Hi Ho! Cherry-O – Helps children practice counting and simple subtraction while picking and adding fruit to their baskets.
• Roll and Cover – A dice game that builds number recognition and early addition skills.
• War (card game) – Encourages kids to compare numbers and understand greater and less than.
• Uno – Strengthens pattern recognition and matching numbers and colors.

You may also like: Math Board Games for Kids

Practice counting and comparing

Look for chances to count during your daily routine — steps on the stairs, apples in a basket, or blocks on the floor. Ask your child questions like, “How many do we have?” or “Who has more?” Make counting playful by turning it into games like "I spy three red cars" or counting claps and jumps together.

Use visual tools and manipulatives

Hands-on materials like counting bears, buttons, building blocks, or coins make numbers easier to understand. Kids can move objects around to see how numbers work — for example, making a group of five by combining two and three.

This kind of visual learning helps children grasp abstract concepts like addition and subtraction.

Promote math talk

Use math language in everyday conversations. Phrases like “You have fewer crackers than me,” “Let’s share them equally,” or “What’s one more?” help kids get comfortable using numbers to describe the world around them.

Math talk works best during natural, relaxed moments when children are already engaged and curious. Mealtimes, bath time, getting dressed, and play sessions are perfect opportunities because kids are focused on activities they enjoy. Avoid forcing math conversations when children are tired, upset, or overstimulated.

Read math books

Math-themed storybooks are a fun way to introduce early math concepts. Look for books that involve counting, shapes, or number stories. Titles like Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang and Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews help children see math as part of storytelling and imagination! 

You may also like: Math Books for Kids

Tips for Parents and Teachers

One of the easiest ways to support number sense is by making math part of everyday life. Look for natural opportunities to talk about numbers — whether it’s counting how many plates are needed for dinner, measuring ingredients while baking, or comparing the heights of plants in the garden. Here, children learn that math is useful, practical, and all around them.

As children explore math in their daily lives, asking open-ended questions can help deepen their understanding. Instead of jumping in with the answer, ask things like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “How did you figure that out?”

Another tip is to allow them to make mistakes. It’s important to remind them that mistakes are a natural and important part of learning. Celebrate effort, curiosity, and persistence, not just correct answers.

Finally, your attitude toward math can strongly influence a child’s mindset. Speaking about math with positivity helps reduce anxiety. Avoid saying things like “I was never good at math,” and instead say, “Let’s figure this out together” or “You’re really thinking like a mathematician!” Positive language encourages a growth mindset.

Summary

In kindergarten, kids naturally develop number sense through play, conversation, and everyday experiences. Through playful exploration, real-world connections, and supportive guidance, children learn that math is everywhere and accessible to everyone.

As you incorporate counting games, math conversations, and hands-on activities into daily routines, you're nurturing curious, capable thinkers. For extra support, try our fun and engaging math worksheets for preschool through 5th grade to keep the learning going!

FAQs About Number Sense

At what age should my child develop number sense?

Number sense begins developing as early as age 2 and continues to grow throughout the early elementary years. Between ages 5 and 6 — in kindergarten — children typically learn to count to 20 (and beyond), recognize and write numerals, compare small quantities, and begin exploring simple addition and subtraction using objects or drawings.

What are the common signs of difficulty with number sense?

Some children may struggle with number sense if they consistently skip numbers or count in the wrong order, have difficulty matching numbers to objects, cannot recognize basic numbers like 1–10, struggle to compare which number is more or less, or get confused when adding or subtracting small quantities.

If these challenges persist, extra support and practice using hands-on tools, visual aids, and number-rich activities can be very helpful. In some cases, it may also be beneficial to consult a learning specialist for additional guidance.

What should my child know by the end of kindergarten?

By the end of kindergarten, most children should be able to count to at least 20 and understand one-to-one correspondence, recognize and write numbers 0–10 (and possibly up to 20), and compare two groups to see which has more, fewer, or the same. They should also begin to understand simple addition and subtraction using objects or drawings and make reasonable estimates.

In addition, children at this stage should start using number words in conversation. It’s important to remember that all children develop at their own pace, and learning should feel fun and encouraging, not pressured.