What is Number Recognition?
Number recognition is the ability of a child to recognize that a digit represents a specific quantity. Once they can recognize that digits represent a quantity, they can also use them to perform other math operations. It is also referred to as “counting”, because it is the first step towards counting objects.
We can also see Number recognition as the ability to see a number and recognize what it means. It is an important skill for children to learn because it can help them identify the quantity of items in a group, and then determine their value when added or subtracted from other groups.
Number Recognition Examples
The first thing that parents and teachers should do is make sure that children are surrounded by numbers at all times. One way to do this is to hang number posters on the wall of your home or classroom, so that students can see them as they go about their day.
For example: If a child can identify the number 3, then they can count 3 things by saying “one, two, three”. However, it does not mean that they understand that those three things are actually three individual items with their own properties. They might think it’s one big object with three parts.
Another way to teach number recognition is with flash cards. A child will learn how to write and read numbers more quickly if they are presented with flashcards often over time, rather than seeing them only once or twice during lessons at school.
The child knows that each number represents an amount of objects (ex. They know there are 1+2=3 apples on the counter)
The child understands what happens when you add or subtract from an existing set of numbers (ex. If you take away one apple from the counter, there will still be two left.)
Children are sponges, and learning to recognize numbers is a great skill for them to have at a young age. Whether they’re learning at home, in school, or both, it’s important that they are able to recognize numbers and understand the difference between them.
Teach your child how to identify numbers by starting with the number 1. Show them the number in a few different fonts so that they can recognize it no matter what context it comes up in. Talk about the shape of the number and its unique characteristics. Have them draw it out on their own several times so that they can commit it to memory.
Next, move on to 2, 3, 4, and so on until you’ve gotten through all 10 digits. Do this consistently over the course of several days or weeks so that your child doesn’t get overwhelmed or bored with the process of learning numbers.
You may want to introduce colors as well: have your child color in each digit a different color as they learn it, so that they can start associating shapes with colors as well. The more ways you can teach your child something like numbers—the better.
7-year-olds can recognize numbers in print, such as on signs and in books.
5-year-olds can read a clock and understand how to use it.
4-year-olds can count from 1 to 20 and recognize their own age.
Teaching Number Recognition 11-20
To teach your child number recognition from eleven to twenty, first you’ll need to ensure they have a firm understanding of numbers one to ten. If you need help teaching them to recognize those numbers, check out these illustrations.
Then, we recommend using a combination of flash cards and the number-recognition worksheets provided below. You can print them out or use the worksheets online by clicking the link above.
Once your toddler is able to identify numbers 11 through 20 on their own, you can start introducing simple math problems. When they’re able to answer simple addition problems like “8+3=?” try asking them questions that involve matching quantities with numbers written out as words, like “How many apples are there? ‘Three,'” or “Which box has three oranges in it?
Number Recognition Worksheets
These worksheets are intended for children who are first learning to recognize numbers. They are designed to be engaging so that the child will want to practice and learn from them.
