In this section, will will focus some attention on Rekenreks and Base Ten Block. We will also learn exactly what number sense is and its purpose.
Number sense cannot be taught – it is a result of rich mathematical tasks connected to each person's own experiences. A true sense of number is much more than being able to write numerals, count objects, memorize facts and follow steps to solve number problems.
Number sense refers to a child's fluidity and flexibility with numbers and what numbers mean as well as an ability to perform mental mathematics and to look at the world and make comparisons.
Number Sense:
encourages students to think flexibly
promotes confidence with numbers, and
develops the foundation needed for even simple arithmetic, let alone more complex mathematics.