How many of us automatically know what the number is when we roll a pair of dice? I would say most people can see the dots & just know how many there are without having to count them individually. This is because we have memorized what a 6 looks like or a 3 looks like on a die.
Some concepts are a bit difficult for us to understand with all these new words being thrown around like number sense, number fluency and subitizing. These are just fancy words that mean knowing what numbers look like and what they represent and how they work together.
Numbers can be represented in a lot of different ways. In our classrooms we teach that the numeral (aka 1) is a symbol that represents one. But there are so many other ways to represent one. There are Roman Numerals, tally marks, ten frames, fingers, number words, objects, dots, etc. The list goes on and on.
So how do we help students understand this odd concept of representation and quantity? Well, there are several different ways to do that. We can use flash cards, online games, videos, and all kinds of things including these really cute & fun Number Fluency Puzzles that I made for our classrooms.
Some concepts are a bit difficult for us to understand with all these new words being thrown around like number sense, number fluency and subitizing. These are just fancy words that mean knowing what numbers look like and what they represent and how they work together.
Numbers can be represented in a lot of different ways. In our classrooms we teach that the numeral (aka 1) is a symbol that represents one. But there are so many other ways to represent one. There are Roman Numerals, tally marks, ten frames, fingers, number words, objects, dots, etc. The list goes on and on.
So how do we help students understand this odd concept of representation and quantity? Well, there are several different ways to do that. We can use flash cards, online games, videos, and all kinds of things including these really cute & fun Number Fluency Puzzles that I made for our classrooms.
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When printed 2-sided, these Number Fluency Puzzles introduce a few different ways that numbers can be represented. We use Numeral, Number Word, Tally Marks and Ten Frames. We have a full page version (like the picture shown above) and small individual ones (matching only the numeral with one of the other representations). The kids love using these puzzles for so many different things and we allow them to use them as silly puzzles once they have mastered the actual purpose of the activity.
Below, you can see an explanation of several ways that these Number Fluency Puzzles can be used in your classrooms.
Below, you can see an explanation of several ways that these Number Fluency Puzzles can be used in your classrooms.
I have several different themed versions of these puzzles and am adding more every month. As of this writing, I currently have Fall Themed, Winter Themed (includes Christmas), Penguin Themed, and Valentine's Themed in English for numbers 1-10. I am working on these in Spanish & for numbers 11-20 as well.
What are some ways that you teach number fluency/sense/subitizing in your home or classroom? Share some ideas below so we can add them to our lists.
Also, those that comment with their email address (in the form) will receive something special in their box!!
Also, those that comment with their email address (in the form) will receive something special in their box!!
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