Problem solving to build number sense in early childhood

In our journey to foster number sense in early childhood education, problem-solving takes center stage. It’s where children apply their growing mathematical knowledge to real-life situations and learn to think critically. Let’s dive into this exciting aspect of mathematical development.

(This post is Part 3 in my Nurturing Early Number Sense series. If you would like to start with Part 1, you can find it here.)

Building Number Sense Through Problem Solving: Encouraging Critical Thinking

Problem-solving is the heart of mathematics and a vital skill for life. It isn’t just about finding the right answer; it’s about the process of thinking, reasoning, and making decisions. When children tackle math problems, they exercise their cognitive muscles, enhancing their critical thinking abilities.

To engage young learners in problem-solving, present them with age-appropriate challenges. Start simple, such as asking how to distribute a group of toys equally among friends. As they progress, introduce more complex scenarios that involve multiple steps.

an abacus is a great way to develop number sense — Photo by luis arias on Unsplash

Real-World Application of Number Sense: Solving Problems in Daily Life

One of the most important aspects of problem-solving is its real-world relevance. Children need to understand that math isn’t confined to textbooks or classrooms; it’s an essential tool in their daily lives.

Involve them in practical situations where math comes into play. During grocery shopping, challenge them to estimate the total cost of items or calculate discounts. While cooking, encourage them to measure ingredients and adjust recipes. These real-life applications not only make math engaging but also demonstrate its practicality.

math problem solving builds number sense — Photo by Olav Ahrens Røtne on Unsplash

Encouraging Curiosity and Creativity With Problem Solving

The key to nurturing problem-solving skills is to encourage curiosity and creativity. Pose open-ended questions that require thinking beyond simple calculations. For instance, “How can we share these 10 stickers so that each friend gets a different number, but they add up to 10?”

Let them explore different solutions, even if it means making mistakes along the way. Mistakes are valuable opportunities for learning and growth. Celebrate their creativity and perseverance in finding solutions.

By fostering problem-solving abilities, we empower small humans to tackle challenges with confidence. They learn that math isn’t just about memorizing facts; it’s about thinking critically, exploring possibilities, and finding solutions that make sense in the context of real life.

Number Sense Matters!

In the upcoming final part of this blog post series, we’ll wrap up by emphasizing how learning math can be enjoyable and fun. So, stay with me as we conclude our exploration of early childhood math education, where problem-solving is the bridge to a world of endless possibilities!

If you would like to take a look at some activities that build number sense, you can click the pictures below. Or, a great place to start is my number sense Bug Graphing Freebie here.